plate no. 6523
A Skidegate Beaver Pole
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the totem pole, buildings, and landscape, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the main colors of the sky, background hills, buildings, and foreground foliage with thin washes.
- step 03
Begin defining the shapes of the totem pole with light and shadow, using a limited palette of grays and browns.
- step 04
Add details to the totem pole, such as the carved faces and patterns, using darker values to create contrast.
- step 05
Develop the foliage in the foreground with layers of greens, yellows, and browns, using visible brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Refine the shapes and colors of the buildings, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting, adjusting values and colors as needed.
- step 08
Let dry and add a varnish layer.
color palette
primary · gray · green · blue · brown
secondary · yellow · orange · white
Mix grays by combining white with small amounts of blue, brown, and yellow. Achieve different shades of green by mixing blue and yellow, and adjust the tone with brown or white.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·blending
- ·dry brush
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overblending colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Losing the structure of the underlying shapes.
- →Ignoring the importance of value contrast.
- →Getting lost in details too early in the process.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Oil paints (gray, green, blue, brown, yellow, orange, white)
- ·Palette
- ·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Palette knife
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better paint adhesion. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
