plate no. 6121
Blue Eclipse
Albert Bloch, 1955
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as using expressive brushstrokes to convey texture and emotion. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the figures, trees, house, and balloons.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of burnt umber and raw sienna.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures and the house with simplified colors.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to create depth and form, focusing on the light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the trees and foliage using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Paint the balloons with soft, blended colors.
- step 07
Refine the details of the figures, paying attention to their expressions and gestures.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using white to create tints. Use glazes of thinned color to create depth and atmosphere.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →overworking the painting
- →getting bogged down in details too early
- →not establishing a clear value structure
- →using colors straight from the tube without mixing
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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