plate no. 2426

River Scene with Jetty

oilImpressionismlandscaperivertreesboatjettyskyfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the subtle color variations in natural light. It also provides practice in depicting reflections in water and creating a sense of depth through layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the river, trees, and jetty.
step 02
Establish the sky with broad, blended strokes of light blues, grays, and creams.
step 03
Block in the distant trees and foliage with muted greens and browns, using a lighter value to suggest distance.
step 04
Paint the river, capturing the reflections of the sky and surrounding landscape with horizontal strokes.
step 05
Add the jetty and boat, paying attention to their shapes and the way they interact with the water.
step 06
Develop the foreground with details of grass, reeds, and wildflowers, using a variety of greens and browns.
step 07
Add the figures on the jetty and near the boat, keeping them small and simple.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · raw sienna

Mix various shades of green by combining blue, yellow, and brown. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening and muting colors as they recede into the distance. Use white to create highlights and lighten the overall tone.

techniques