plate no. 7177

Swift Water

Tom Thomson, 1916

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)marinawaterrockstreeslandscaperapids

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impasto techniques and broken color application to create texture and depth. It also encourages observation of color variations in natural forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the rocks, water, and trees, focusing on composition.
step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest values with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin applying thicker paint with visible brushstrokes to define the forms of the rocks and trees.
step 04
Mix and apply colors to represent the water, paying attention to the highlights and shadows to create the illusion of movement.
step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to add texture and detail to the rocks and foliage.
step 06
Refine the details of the water, adding highlights and splashes to enhance the sense of motion.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a harmonious and dynamic composition.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix browns and grays by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten values and create highlights. Mix greens by combining blue and yellow.

techniques

·impasto
·broken color
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Over-blending the colors, which can result in a muddy appearance.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure, which can flatten the composition.
→Ignoring the direction of light, which can make the forms appear unnatural.
→Using too much detail, which can detract from the overall impression.