plate no. 8246

The Effect of Sunlight on the Banks of the Loing

oilImpressionismlandscaperivertreesskycloudsboatsfoliage

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning impressionistic brushwork and color mixing to create atmospheric perspective. Students will practice layering colors and creating texture with visible 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, riverbank, and major tree masses.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of light blue, pink, and white, blending slightly.
step 03
Establish the water with horizontal strokes of blue, purple, and hints of green, reflecting the sky.
step 04
Paint the distant trees and buildings with muted greens and grays, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 05
Develop the large tree on the right with layers of green, yellow, and brown, creating a sense of volume and texture.
step 06
Add the riverbank with varied strokes of brown, green, and red, suggesting rocks and vegetation.
step 07
Paint the boats with dark colors, adding subtle highlights to suggest form.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed to achieve the desired impressionistic effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

secondary · viridian green · burnt umber · cadmium yellow

Mix various shades of green by combining blue and yellow. Achieve the pinks and purples in the sky by mixing red and blue with white. Use burnt umber to darken greens and create shadows.

techniques