plate no. 6815

Trees by a Stream in Norfolk

oilImpressionismlandscapetreesstreamlandscapeforestflowersfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and using visible brushstrokes to suggest texture. It also provides practice in simplifying complex natural forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees and the stream.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: sky, distant hills, foliage, ground, and tree trunks.
step 03
Add darker values to define the shadows and create depth within the trees and foliage.
step 04
Layer lighter values on top to create highlights and give the impression of sunlight.
step 05
Refine the details of the stream, adding reflections and variations in color.
step 06
Add the small flowers in the foreground, paying attention to their placement and color.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to achieve a harmonious effect.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · sap green · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, and adjust the shade with white or burnt umber. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights, and burnt umber to darken colors and create shadows.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·layering
·wet-on-dry
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
→Making the colors too saturated and unnatural.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Neglecting the importance of value contrast.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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