Travellers crossing a river

Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the river, trees, figures, and cows.

Establish the background with a thin wash of muted blues and greens to create atmospheric perspective.

Block in the main shapes of the trees, rocks, and figures using darker values.

Begin layering colors and values to define the forms of the trees and rocks, paying attention to light and shadow.

Add details to the figures and animals, focusing on accurate proportions and anatomical features.

Paint the water, using short, broken brushstrokes to capture the movement and reflections.

Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.

Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the overall mood.