plate no. 6784
River Spree
Alex Colville, 1971
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective, rendering reflections in water, and creating realistic textures with subtle brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to perspective lines of the river and buildings.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes of the boat, bridge, figure, and dog with diluted washes of color.
- step 03
Establish the value structure of the water, using horizontal strokes to suggest movement and reflections.
- step 04
Develop the details of the boat, including the windows, lettering, and reflections.
- step 05
Refine the figure and dog, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle shading.
- step 06
Add details to the bridge and buildings in the background, maintaining a sense of distance.
- step 07
Create the texture of the pavement using small, varied brushstrokes.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall realism.
color palette
primary · gray · beige · brown · white
secondary · green · black
Achieve the subtle grays by mixing white with small amounts of black, burnt umber, and blue. Use varying ratios for different values.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·linear perspective
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect perspective leading to a distorted image.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall harmony.
- →Failing to capture the subtle value changes in the water.
- →Inaccurate proportions of the figure and dog.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder medium
- ·easel
Use a smooth canvas to allow for subtle blending. Consider using a medium to slow drying time for easier blending.
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