3316 The Mill
Jerry Yarnell – Inspiration of Painting PBS Television Series

A classic red mill stands beside a flowing stream, its large water wheel turning gently as reflections shimmer across the water and bare trees frame the quiet rural setting. In this intermediate oil painting lesson using water mixable oils, Jerry guides you step-by-step through creating this timeless countryside scene in a 156 minute session on an 18x24 canvas, focusing on structure, reflection, and natural atmosphere.

You’ll learn how to construct and paint the mill with proper perspective, including the building’s structure, roof lines, and detailed water wheel. Jerry demonstrates how to block in major shapes first, then refine them with controlled brushwork to maintain accuracy and balance throughout the composition.

Special focus is given to painting water movement and reflections, using layered color and value changes to create depth and realism. You’ll also explore how to paint stonework, wooden textures, and surrounding landscape elements that enhance the overall character of the scene.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll gain confidence in combining architectural elements with landscape, handling reflections and texture, and creating depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. This is an excellent project for painters ready to develop more advanced skills while producing a detailed and visually engaging mill scene.