plate no. 3065

Woods, Algoma

Lawren Harris, 1918

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapetreesforestlandscapeskyfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and depth. It also encourages exploration of color relationships within a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the trees and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of light blue and white.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the evergreen trees using a dark green mixture.
step 04
Add the lighter greens and yellows of the deciduous trees, varying the tones.
step 05
Paint the red foliage in the foreground, using thick, short strokes.
step 06
Add details to the tree trunks and branches with dark brown and black.
step 07
Refine the shapes and colors of the foliage, adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · dark green · light green · yellow · red

secondary · light blue · white · brown · purple

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and vary the tones by adding white or brown. Create the red foliage by mixing red with a touch of brown or orange for depth.

techniques