plate no. 8430

Stormy Weather, Georgian Bay

Frederick Varley, 1921

oilExpressionismlandscapetreeswaterrocksskycloudslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing the dynamic movement of water and wind. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve atmospheric perspective.

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 tree, shoreline, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the sky with broad strokes, blending colors to create the cloud formations.
step 03
Block in the water using horizontal strokes, varying the color and value to suggest movement and depth.
step 04
Define the rocks and shoreline with angular brushstrokes, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Paint the tree, using expressive strokes to capture its shape and the effect of the wind.
step 06
Add details to the water, such as highlights and reflections, to enhance the sense of realism.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a cohesive and dynamic image.
step 08
Add final details and highlights.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White · Burnt Sienna

secondary · Cadmium Yellow · Alizarin Crimson · Viridian

Mix blues and yellows with white for the sky and water. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the rocks, and add touches of crimson and viridian for variation. Create depth by muting colors with grey as they recede into the distance.

techniques