plate no. 2356
A morning calm
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering reflections in water. It also provides practice in painting figures and boats in a realistic style.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the horizon line and the major elements (boats, figures, clouds).
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying a thin wash of diluted paint to the entire canvas.
- step 03
Block in the sky and clouds, focusing on the subtle gradations of color and value.
- step 04
Paint the water, capturing the reflections of the boats and sky.
- step 05
Add the boats, paying attention to their shapes, details, and the way they sit in the water.
- step 06
Paint the figures on the shore, focusing on their proportions and clothing.
- step 07
Add details such as rigging, flags, and small boats in the distance.
- step 08
Refine the painting by adjusting colors, values, and details as needed.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna · cadmium yellow
Achieve the sky and water colors by mixing ultramarine blue with titanium white and a touch of yellow ochre. Use burnt umber and raw sienna for the boats and shore, lightened with white.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·rendering reflections
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the initial washes.
- →Failing to capture the subtle gradations of color in the sky and water.
- →Making the reflections too sharp or detailed.
- →Incorrect proportions of the boats and figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A pre-primed canvas is recommended.
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