plate no. 0163

Barbados, B.W.I., Winter

J. E. H. MacDonald, 1932

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapebeachskycloudswavesseascapesand

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice capturing atmospheric perspective and rendering cloud formations with loose brushstrokes. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the horizon line and the basic shapes of the clouds and waves.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, gradually adding white and lavender for the clouds.
step 03
Paint the distant water with a muted blue-green, making it lighter and grayer than the foreground waves.
step 04
Add the darker blue-green for the waves, using short, horizontal strokes.
step 05
Mix a sandy color for the beach and apply it with varied brushstrokes to suggest texture.
step 06
Add reflections in the wet sand using diluted versions of the sky and wave colors.
step 07
Refine the shapes of the clouds and waves, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 08
Add final details, such as highlights on the waves and subtle color variations in the sky.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · violet

Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky and water. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create the sandy beach. Add violet to white to create the cloud shadows.

techniques