plate no. 8985
Atlantis
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in blocking in shapes, mixing muted tones, and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in figure drawing and depicting a surreal landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, rocks, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, sea, rocks, and figure.
- step 03
Start adding darker values to define the shadows on the rocks and figure.
- step 04
Mix greens and blues to create the water, using short, choppy brushstrokes.
- step 05
Add highlights to the rocks and figure with lighter yellows and oranges.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figure, paying attention to the proportions and anatomy.
- step 07
Add final touches to the sky and sea, blending colors to create a sense of depth.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition, ensuring that the focal point is clear.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · viridian green · cadmium yellow
Mix ultramarine blue and yellow ochre to create the greens of the water. Use burnt umber to darken the rocks and figure. Add white to lighten the colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brush
- ·color mixing
- ·scumbling
- ·visible brushstrokes
common pitfalls
- →Overblending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Neglecting the proportions of the figure.
- →Making the rocks too uniform in color and texture.
- →Not creating enough contrast between the light and dark areas.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
- ·Rags
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints are easier to clean up, but oil paints offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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