plate no. 8927

The Banks of the Pond at Rosporden

Maxime Maufra, 1911

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismlandscapewatertreeschurchbuildingsskylandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as practice capturing reflections in water using broken brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, indicating the horizon line, the position of the church, trees, and water.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and whites, using loose brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the trees and the church with darker greens, browns, and grays.
step 04
Begin layering colors in the water, using blues, greens, and grays to create the effect of reflections.
step 05
Add the tree trunks and branches, using thin lines and varying the thickness of the paint.
step 06
Paint the foliage with small, broken brushstrokes, using a mix of greens, yellows, and browns.
step 07
Refine the details of the church and buildings, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to the water and foliage to create a sense of depth and texture.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · payne's gray

Mix blues and whites for the sky, adding a touch of yellow ochre for warmth. Use burnt umber and ultramarine blue to create dark greens and grays for the trees and buildings. Mix blues, greens, and browns to create the colors of the water.

techniques