plate no. 1175
Trees At The Waal
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing reflections in water and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in loose, impressionistic brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, indicating the horizon line, the placement of the trees, and the water's edge.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, blending the colors softly.
- step 03
Establish the distant landmass with muted greens and browns, using a thin wash.
- step 04
Paint the trees, starting with the trunks and branches using thin, dark browns and blacks.
- step 05
Add the foliage using yellows, oranges, and browns, applying short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Create the water reflections by mirroring the colors and shapes of the trees and sky, using vertical strokes and softening the edges.
- step 07
Add highlights to the water to suggest ripples and movement.
- step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber
secondary · raw sienna · payne's gray · cadmium yellow light
Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the warm tones of the trees. Mix complementary colors to create muted greens and browns for the distant landscape.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brush texture
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Making the reflections too perfect and symmetrical.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in an unnatural look.
- →Failing to create sufficient depth through value changes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 8)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 10)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber before starting.
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