plate no. 1553
Barges
David Bomberg, 1919
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes and practice painting reflections in water. It also provides practice in using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the boats, buildings, and reflections using light pencil lines.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the water, sky, and land, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Add the darker values for the reflections, paying attention to their shapes and placement.
- step 04
Begin defining the shapes of the boats and buildings with more precise brushstrokes and color variations.
- step 05
Add details to the figures and other elements, such as the foliage, using smaller brushes.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add highlights to the boats and water to create a sense of light and reflection.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, and shapes.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre
secondary · titanium white · ivory black
Mix blues and whites for the water, adding touches of burnt sienna for warmth. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the boats and buildings, adjusting the values with white and black.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details, losing the overall geometric structure.
- →Using too many colors, creating a disjointed and incoherent composition.
- →Ignoring the value structure, resulting in a flat and lifeless painting.
- →Not paying attention to the reflections, making them appear unrealistic.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, titanium white, ivory black)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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