plate no. 8268

Willows by the river

oil, canvasRomanticismlandscapetreesriverskycloudslandscapefoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to create depth using value and how to suggest detail in dark areas. It will also develop skills in painting tree bark texture and atmospheric perspective.

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 placement of the trees and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the dark underpainting using a mix of burnt umber and black.
step 03
Block in the sky with a light gray-blue, blending it softly.
step 04
Begin adding highlights to the tree trunks, using a dry brush technique to create texture.
step 05
Paint the distant trees and foliage, using progressively lighter values to create depth.
step 06
Add details to the foreground foliage and riverbank, paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
step 07
Refine the clouds and sky, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the trees and foliage.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Achieve the dark tones by mixing burnt umber and black. Use white to create highlights and lighter values. Mix blue and white for the sky, and add a touch of yellow ochre to warm the highlights.

techniques