plate no. 0057

The puddle

Alfred Krupa, 1967

mixed techniqueExpressionismlandscapepondreedslandscapewater liliesskyvegetation

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop expressive brushwork and learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It's a good exercise in capturing the essence of a landscape with minimal detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: horizon line, pond edges, and major clumps of reeds.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre and raw sienna for the background hills.
step 03
Add a thin wash of diluted blue for the sky and reflected in the water.
step 04
Using a medium-sized brush, paint the dark outlines and shapes of the reeds and foreground vegetation with burnt umber and black.
step 05
Add details to the water lilies with white and light blue, using circular strokes.
step 06
Create reflections in the water by mirroring the shapes above with slightly blurred edges.
step 07
Use dry brush technique to add texture to the reeds and foreground.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values to create depth and contrast.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white · black

Mix burnt umber and black for the dark outlines. Dilute raw sienna and yellow ochre with water for the background washes. Mix ultramarine blue with white for the sky and water reflections.

techniques