plate no. 0156
A Northern Night
Frank Johnston, 1917
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in layering colors to create atmospheric effects and using directional brushstrokes to convey texture and movement. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, tree placement, and the general shape of the aurora.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a dark blue-green mixture, using vertical brushstrokes to suggest the aurora's movement.
- step 03
Add lighter shades of blue and green to the aurora, blending them slightly to create a soft, glowing effect.
- step 04
Paint the snow-covered ground with a base of white mixed with a touch of blue, using short, choppy brushstrokes.
- step 05
Add shadows to the snow using a darker blue mixture, paying attention to the direction of the light.
- step 06
Paint the trees with thin, dark lines, adding subtle highlights to suggest form.
- step 07
Add small white dots for stars in the sky, using a small brush or the tip of a palette knife.
- step 08
Refine details and adjust values as needed to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · Prussian Blue · Titanium White · Viridian Green
secondary · Payne's Gray · Yellow Ochre
Mix Prussian Blue and Viridian Green to achieve the base color for the aurora. Add Titanium White to lighten and create variations. Use Payne's Gray to darken shadows in the snow.
techniques
- ·Dry brushing
- ·Layering
- ·Scumbling
- ·Directional Brushstrokes
- ·Limited Palette
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the aurora, resulting in a flat, lifeless effect.
- →Making the snow too white and uniform, lacking depth and texture.
- →Using too much detail in the trees, distracting from the overall composition.
- →Not varying the size and intensity of the stars, making them appear artificial.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Acrylic or Oil Paints (Prussian Blue, Titanium White, Viridian Green, Payne's Gray)
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brush (size 8)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·Easel
- ·Rags
- ·Apron
- ·Medium gloss
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for better paint adhesion and brushstroke visibility. Consider using a toned canvas (e.g., light gray or blue) to establish a base value and simplify the painting process.
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