plate no. 9276

The River

Andre Derain, 1912

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismlandscaperiverbridgetreesbuildingslandscapewater

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and form. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve a harmonious yet vibrant palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: the bridge, buildings, riverbanks, and trees, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and the water, using thin washes.
step 03
Add the darker tones for the bridge and buildings, gradually building up the color intensity.
step 04
Define the shapes of the trees and foliage with bold, visible brushstrokes, varying the pressure and direction of the strokes.
step 05
Create the reflections in the water by mirroring the colors and shapes of the objects above, using horizontal strokes.
step 06
Add highlights to the bridge, buildings, and foliage to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details of the bridge and buildings, paying attention to the texture and form.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · viridian green · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · raw umber · cadmium yellow

Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre or cadmium yellow. Achieve earth tones by blending burnt sienna, raw umber, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten values and create subtle color variations.

techniques

·broken color
·impasto
·scumbling
·alla prima
·color layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the spontaneity of the brushstrokes.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point.
→Ignoring the importance of value contrast.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (burnt sienna, viridian green, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, titanium white, raw umber)
·palette
·assorted brushes (flat and round)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·rags

Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing and create a more harmonious painting.

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