plate no. 4553

Blunden Harbour

Emily Carr, 1930

oilCubismlandscapetotem poleswaterskymountainsboatsfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding atmospheric perspective to create depth in a landscape. It also encourages exploration of color mixing to achieve a range of muted tones.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the totem poles, buildings, and landscape elements.
step 02
Block in the main colors for the sky, water, mountains, and totem poles using thin washes.
step 03
Develop the sky with layers of blended blues, grays, and whites, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 04
Add details to the mountains and water, using darker values to create shadows and lighter values to suggest reflections.
step 05
Refine the shapes and forms of the totem poles, paying attention to the details of the carvings.
step 06
Add details to the buildings and boats, using a limited palette of grays and browns.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of unity and harmony.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · payne's gray

Mix browns by combining burnt umber with small amounts of blue or yellow. Achieve grays by mixing white with small amounts of black or blue. Use white to lighten and soften colors.

techniques