plate no. 7456
A Dark Pool
Laura Knight, 1918
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in the rocks and water, as well as practice capturing the form and light on a figure in an outdoor setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, rocks, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, sea, rocks, and figure using thin washes.
- step 03
Begin building up the texture of the rocks with thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
- step 04
Mix and apply the various shades of blue and gray in the sea, paying attention to the reflections and highlights.
- step 05
Develop the form of the figure, focusing on the folds of the dress and the subtle shadows.
- step 06
Add details to the rocks, such as the dark patches and crevices.
- step 07
Refine the sky with soft, blended brushstrokes.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to the entire painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white · cadmium red
secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · cerulean blue
Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky and sea. Use burnt sienna, raw umber, and white to create the different tones of the rocks. Mix cadmium red with white and a touch of yellow ochre for the dress.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·color mixing
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the rocks, losing the overall impressionistic feel.
- →Making the figure too stiff or unnatural.
- →Not capturing the subtle variations in color and value in the sea and sky.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the composition.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use good quality oil paints for best results. A medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) is recommended.
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