plate no. 1720

On the Escopus at Hurley, New York

oilLuminismlandscapelandscapetreeswaterskyreflectionfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmospheric perspective, as well as capturing reflections in water.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes of the land and water.
step 02
Establish the sky with a gradient of warm yellows and oranges, blending smoothly.
step 03
Block in the large masses of trees and foliage with dark greens and browns, varying the tones to create depth.
step 04
Paint the water, capturing the reflections of the sky and trees with slightly muted colors.
step 05
Add details to the foreground, such as rocks, bushes, and grasses, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the details in the trees, adding highlights and shadows to create texture and form.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of harmony and balance.
step 08
Add final details, such as small figures or birds, to add interest and scale.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · sap green · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

Achieve the subtle greens by mixing sap green with yellow ochre and a touch of blue. Create the warm sky by blending yellow ochre, cadmium yellow, and a hint of alizarin crimson.

techniques