plate no. 6014

The Lake in the Bois de Boulogne

Felix Vallotton, 1921

oil, canvasMagic Realismlandscapelaketreesautumnreflectionfoliagelandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to create depth using value and color temperature, as well as how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.

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 horizon line and the placement of the main tree.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: dark background trees, yellow foliage, and the water.
step 03
Refine the shapes of the trees and foliage, paying attention to the direction of the branches.
step 04
Add the reflections in the water, using slightly desaturated versions of the colors above.
step 05
Introduce subtle color variations within each area to create depth and interest.
step 06
Add details to the foliage using small, broken brushstrokes.
step 07
Adjust values to enhance the contrast between light and shadow.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to the foliage and reflections.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · cadmium yellow · burnt umber

secondary · viridian green · alizarin crimson

Mix dark greens by combining ultramarine blue and yellow ochre. Create the yellow foliage by mixing cadmium yellow with a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the water color by mixing ultramarine blue with alizarin crimson and white.

techniques