plate no. 7272

A Lighthouse

oilRomanticismmarinalighthouserocksoceanwavesskybirds

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning how to depict dynamic water and atmospheric perspective. Students will practice layering colors and creating texture with 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 placement of the lighthouse, rocks, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Establish the dark and light values of the rocks, using browns, grays, and whites.
step 04
Begin layering the colors of the water, starting with darker greens and blues in the depths and lighter turquoise and white for the waves.
step 05
Use broken brushstrokes to create the texture of the waves and foam.
step 06
Add details to the lighthouse, keeping it simple and clean.
step 07
Paint the birds in the sky with quick, gestural strokes.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green · payne's gray

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and grays by mixing complementary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·dry brush texture
·scumbling
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the water, resulting in a flat, lifeless appearance.
→Failing to create a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.
→Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in an unrealistic look.
→Ignoring the importance of value contrast in creating form.