plate no. 1226

The Aqueduct

Paul Serusier, 1905

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismlandscapetreesbridgelandscapeskyfieldwater

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the bridge, trees, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, distant hills, field, and bridge, using thin washes.
step 03
Add darker values to define the shapes of the trees and the arches of the bridge.
step 04
Layer lighter values over the field to create depth and texture.
step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create the foliage and ground cover.
step 06
Add details to the trees, such as branches and leaves, using a fine brush.
step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, paying attention to the overall harmony.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and light.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium yellow · cadmium orange · titanium white

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create variations in the field by adding small amounts of cadmium yellow or cadmium orange to the yellow ochre. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·layering
·dry brushing
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.
→Neglecting the importance of edges and transitions.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt umber, cadmium yellow, cadmium orange, titanium white)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·rags