plate no. 5587
The Lily Pool
Jessie Willcox Smith, 1903
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a landscape and capturing the subtle reflections in water. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through color and value.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, the pond, and the background elements.
- step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the sky, trees, grass, and the pond's water.
- step 03
Begin layering in the darker values of the trees and shadows, using a slightly dry brush technique.
- step 04
Add the base colors for the figures, paying attention to the light and shadow on their clothing.
- step 05
Paint the water lilies and lily pads, capturing their shapes and reflections in the water.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figures, including their hair, faces, and clothing folds.
- step 07
Add highlights to the water, lilies, and figures to create a sense of light and dimension.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a harmonious and balanced composition.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · viridian green · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow · cerulean blue
Mix greens by blending viridian with yellow ochre and white. Achieve the muted tones of the figures by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and white. Use cerulean blue and white for the sky and water reflections.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·color layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, which can lead to a stiff and unnatural look.
- →Failing to capture the subtle color variations in the water and foliage.
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating depth and form.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, which can detract from the overall harmony of the painting.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 16x20
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#2 detail brush
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
optional
- ·retarder medium
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for better paint adhesion and blending. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the transparency of the colors.
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