plate no. 3413
Big Sur Poem
Eyvind Earle, 1996
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as using contrasting values to define forms and create a sense of light.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountain, water, and distant landmasses, paying attention to the overall composition.
- step 02
Establish the base colors for the sky, water, and land, using thin washes.
- step 03
Begin layering darker values to define the shadows and forms of the mountain, working from the top down.
- step 04
Add highlights to the mountain using lighter shades of green, yellow, and blue, focusing on areas where light is hitting.
- step 05
Paint the individual trees and foliage, using a variety of colors and brushstrokes to create texture and detail.
- step 06
Refine the details of the water, adding reflections and subtle color variations.
- step 07
Add the small rocks on the beach in the foreground.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a cohesive and balanced composition.
color palette
primary · dark green · yellow · dark blue · red
secondary · light green · light blue · white
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create variations by adding small amounts of red or brown. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·color blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·Acrylic paints (dark green, yellow, dark blue, red, light green, light blue, white)
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brushes (sizes 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch)
- ·Palette
- ·Water container
- ·Paper towels
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Easel
Use high-quality acrylic paints for best results. Consider using a retarder medium to slow down the drying time of the acrylics and allow for more blending.
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