plate no. 3845

Water Lilies

Erin Hanson, 2016

oilExpressionismlandscapewatertreeslily padsreflectionlandscapesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impasto techniques and color mixing to create vibrant reflections. It will also improve their understanding of how to represent complex textures with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and placement of major elements like trees and water lilies.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, trees, and water using thin washes.
step 03
Begin building up texture with thicker paint, using short, deliberate brushstrokes.
step 04
Focus on capturing the reflections in the water, paying attention to color and value relationships.
step 05
Add details to the trees and lily pads, using a variety of brushstrokes to create visual interest.
step 06
Refine the edges of shapes to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the scene.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

secondary · viridian green · burnt sienna · titanium white

Achieve the various greens by mixing cadmium yellow and viridian green. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix blues and reds for the purplish hues in the water and sky.

techniques