plate no. 8141

Path Along the River's Edge

Ernest Lawson, 1910

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscaperivertreesfigurehorsepathlandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective to depict distance.

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 placement of the river, trees, figure, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the sky with light blues and grays, blending softly to create cloud formations.
step 03
Block in the distant landscape with muted greens and blues, using lighter values to suggest distance.
step 04
Paint the river using horizontal brushstrokes and varying shades of green and brown to create reflections.
step 05
Add the trees and foliage, using short, broken brushstrokes and layering different shades of green, yellow, and brown.
step 06
Paint the figure and horse, paying attention to their proportions and the way light falls on them.
step 07
Add details to the foreground, such as grasses and flowers, using small, precise brushstrokes.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.