plate no. 5873

Pond Lilies

Robert Lewis Reid, 1908

oilImpressionismportraitfiguredressflowerswater liliespondhat

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for subtle variations and applying impressionistic brushstrokes to capture light and texture. Students will also learn to create a sense of depth and atmosphere through layering and color temperature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, the water lilies, and the background.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying a thin wash of diluted paint to the entire canvas.
step 03
Begin blocking in the main shapes and forms, using broad brushstrokes and focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Develop the details of the figure, paying attention to the folds of the dress and the subtle variations in skin tone.
step 05
Paint the water lilies, capturing their delicate petals and reflections in the water.
step 06
Add texture and interest to the background by applying short, broken brushstrokes of various colors.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · alizarin crimson

Mix ultramarine blue and white for the dress. Use yellow ochre and white for the skin tones, adding a touch of alizarin crimson for warmth. Mix viridian green and yellow ochre for the foliage.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·wet-on-wet blending
·layering
·impasto

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the spontaneity of the impressionistic style.
→Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
→Failing to capture the subtle variations in color and value.
→Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating depth and form.