apprentice
artistsserieslearnchatartworkscommunity gallery
apprentice

deliberate practice for serious artists

aboutgalleryprivacyterms
built by reducibl.com
home·artworks·River Scene with Ferry Boat
River Scene with Ferry Boat by Salomon van Ruysdael

plate no. 8448

River Scene with Ferry Boat

Salomon van Ruysdael, 1650

oilBaroquelandscaperivertreesboatskybuildingsfigures
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through value changes. Students will also learn to depict realistic reflections in water and capture the texture of foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the horizon line, the large tree, and the buildings.

  2. step 02

    Block in the sky with light blues and yellows, blending the colors to create a soft, cloudy effect.

  3. step 03

    Establish the dark masses of the trees and foliage, using a mix of browns and greens.

  4. step 04

    Paint the water, reflecting the colors of the sky and the surrounding landscape.

  5. step 05

    Add the details of the buildings, boats, and figures, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.

  6. step 06

    Refine the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

  7. step 07

    Add final details such as birds, ripples in the water, and small branches.

  8. step 08

    Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · raw sienna · ivory black · cadmium yellow light

Mix various shades of brown and green by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Use titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding more blue and white to distant objects.

techniques

  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·wet-on-wet blending
  • ·reflected light

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early
  • →Failing to create a sense of depth
  • →Using colors that are too saturated
  • →Ignoring the importance of reflected light

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·#2 round brush
  • ·#6 flat brush
  • ·#10 filbert brush
  • ·palette
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·mineral spirits

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel

Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for good paint adhesion. Consider using a toned canvas to start with a base color.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →chiaroscuro →how to learn by studying the masters →
chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Girl with a Straw Hat

Girl with a Straw Hat

Judith Leyster

Gezicht Op De Laurenskerk Gezien Vanuit Noordoosten

Gezicht Op De Laurenskerk Gezien Vanuit Noordoosten

Abraham Storck

Bathsheba Bathing

Bathsheba Bathing

Francesco Solimena

Repentant Peter

Repentant Peter

Guido Reni

Itinerant Musicians

Itinerant Musicians

Jacob Ochtervelt

Marie Christine

Marie Christine

Marcello Bacciarelli

Santa Cecilia E Due Angeli

Santa Cecilia E Due Angeli

Giulio Cesare Procaccini

Scene from the Life of Saint Benedict

Scene from the Life of Saint Benedict

Philippe de Champaigne