plate no. 1523

River landscape

oilRealismlandscapelandscapewindmillboatwaterskyfigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and color mixing to create realistic landscapes. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the windmill, boat, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, blending the colors softly.
step 03
Establish the basic values of the land and water, using darker tones for the foreground and lighter tones for the background.
step 04
Paint the windmill with a mix of red, brown, and black, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Add the boat, using similar colors as the windmill and land, and reflect it in the water.
step 06
Paint the details of the vegetation in the foreground, using a variety of greens and browns.
step 07
Add the figures and other small details, such as the birds and the sailboat in the distance.
step 08
Refine the painting by adjusting the values and colors as needed.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green

Mix blues and white for the sky, adding a touch of umber for the horizon. Create greens by mixing blue and yellow, and browns by mixing umber, red, and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques