plate no. 2551

Promenade of Chestnut Trees

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapetreesriverfiguresbuildingsskylandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as capturing the fleeting effects of light and shadow. It will also help with understanding impressionistic brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, trees, figures, and buildings.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and purples, blending softly.
step 03
Establish the water with horizontal strokes of green, blue, and white.
step 04
Paint the trees, focusing on the overall shape and color masses rather than individual leaves.
step 05
Add the buildings and figures with simple shapes and colors.
step 06
Develop the foreground path with warm browns and yellows, adding texture with short brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the details, such as the leaves, branches, and reflections in the water.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · sap green · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · alizarin crimson · violet

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening colors with white as they recede into the distance.

techniques