plate no. 0183
Scene on a River 2
John Constable, 1837
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. Students will also learn to suggest details rather than rendering them precisely.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the trees, river, and building, focusing on composition.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or raw sienna.
- step 03
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, using loose brushstrokes.
- step 04
Begin layering darker browns and greens for the trees, varying the pressure for texture.
- step 05
Add highlights to the trees and foliage using lighter shades of yellow and green.
- step 06
Paint the river with reflections of the trees and sky, using horizontal strokes.
- step 07
Suggest the building and figures with simple shapes and colors.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to create depth and interest.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · sap green
Mix browns and greens by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Making the composition too symmetrical or static.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process.
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