plate no. 3886

Sydney Harbour

Arthur Streeton, 1907

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeswaterlandscapeharborskybuildings

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as practicing loose, expressive brushwork to capture the texture of foliage and water.

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 horizon line and major shapes of land and trees.
step 02
Block in the sky and water with diluted blues and grays, establishing the overall tone.
step 03
Begin layering in the distant landmasses, using progressively darker and warmer tones as you move closer.
step 04
Establish the dark masses of the trees in the foreground, paying attention to the shapes and negative spaces.
step 05
Add highlights to the trees and foliage, using lighter shades of brown, green, and yellow.
step 06
Refine the details of the trees and rocks in the foreground, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 07
Add small details like the sailboats and buildings in the distance.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, and composition.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow · raw sienna

Mix blues and browns with white to create the atmospheric haze of the sky and water. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the warm tones of the trees and rocks.

techniques