plate no. 0399

Rowanberries (Mountain Ash), Algoma

J. E. H. MacDonald, 1922

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)landscaperowanberriesrockswaterfoliagestreamautumn

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in layering colors with visible brushstrokes to create texture and depth. Students will learn to mix warm and cool tones to represent light and shadow in a natural setting.

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 rocks, stream, and rowanberry branches.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color using thinned paint: dark browns for the rocks, blues and browns for the water, and oranges/reds for the berries.
step 03
Begin layering colors on the rocks, using short, visible brushstrokes to create texture and form.
step 04
Develop the water by adding reflections of the surrounding colors, using horizontal strokes to suggest movement.
step 05
Paint the rowanberries, paying attention to their shape and the way they cluster together.
step 06
Add details to the foliage, using a variety of greens, yellows, and oranges.
step 07
Refine the overall composition by adjusting values and adding highlights.
step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · sap green

Mix browns with blues and reds for the rocks and shadows. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red with white for the berries. Add ultramarine blue to greens and browns to cool them down.

techniques