plate no. 6906
Bild no. 15, Berg und Schiffe
Jacoba van Heemskerck, 1914
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex scenes into geometric shapes and use a limited color palette to create a cohesive composition. It also provides practice in creating depth through overlapping shapes and varying values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to map out the basic shapes of the mountain, buildings, boats, and sky.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: yellow for the sky, black for the boats and foreground, white for the buildings, and blue for the water.
- step 03
Add the secondary colors, such as the green for the trees and the red for the foreground shapes.
- step 04
Refine the shapes and edges of the buildings, boats, and trees, paying attention to the geometric forms.
- step 05
Add details such as the lines in the water and the shadows on the buildings.
- step 06
Mix and apply the subtle color variations within each area to add depth and interest.
- step 07
Add the thin red outlines to the shapes in the foreground.
- step 08
Review and adjust the composition as needed to ensure a balanced and harmonious image.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · black · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · viridian green · cadmium red
Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Create the blue for the water by mixing ultramarine blue with white. The green for the trees can be achieved by mixing viridian green with a touch of yellow.
techniques
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·color blocking
- ·limited palette
- ·hard-edge painting
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using too many colors, which can disrupt the harmony of the painting.
- →Not paying attention to the value contrasts, which can flatten the image.
- →Failing to accurately represent the geometric forms.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 16x20
- ·Acrylic or oil paints (yellow ochre, black, titanium white, ultramarine blue, viridian green, cadmium red)
- ·Set of flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette for mixing paints
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Rags or paper towels
- ·Easel
optional
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Varnish
Use good quality paints to achieve the best color saturation and longevity. Choose brushes that are appropriate for the size and detail of the painting.
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