plate no. 0676

Antarctica

Sidney Nolan, 1964

oil, boardExpressionismlandscapemountainswaterskylandscapeicereflection

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing reflections in water. It also encourages simplification of complex forms into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of blue and white, creating a sense of movement.
step 03
Establish the dark areas of the mountains and water with dark browns and blacks.
step 04
Add highlights to the mountains using white and light grey, following the direction of light.
step 05
Create the reflections in the water using broken strokes of white, grey, and dark colors.
step 06
Refine the details of the mountains and water, paying attention to the texture and direction of the brushstrokes.
step 07
Add final touches of light and shadow to enhance the depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Allow to dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · payne's grey

Mix blues and white for the sky, adding a touch of yellow ochre for warmth. Use burnt umber and black for the dark areas, and white to create highlights. Mix grey tones by combining black and white.

techniques