plate no. 3252

On the Canal, New Hope

Robert Spencer, 1916

oilImpressionismcityscapebuildingscanalfigureswaterboatshouses

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and color mixing to create atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in depicting architectural forms with loose, expressive strokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, canal, and figures, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the buildings, water, and sky using thin washes.
step 03
Begin layering thicker paint with visible brushstrokes to define the textures of the buildings and ground.
step 04
Mix and apply various shades of green, brown, and blue to create the impression of light and shadow on the buildings.
step 05
Use short, broken strokes to depict the reflections in the water.
step 06
Add details to the figures and boats, using small brushes and careful observation.
step 07
Refine the overall composition by adjusting values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Burnt umber · Titanium white

secondary · Cadmium red · Viridian green · Payne's gray

Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow ochre and Prussian blue, and adjust with white. Create the brick tones by mixing burnt umber and cadmium red. Use Payne's gray to darken shadows.

techniques