plate no. 0643

Bright Intervals

Edward Wadsworth, 1928

oilSurrealismstill lifestill lifenauticalboatssearibbonshell

some experience helpful

This painting allows students to practice creating geometric forms and rendering smooth gradients, while also focusing on accurate color matching and creating a sense of depth through overlapping shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the background colors (sky, sea, and table) with flat, even tones.
step 03
Establish the main shapes of the objects (shell, ribbon, clock, buoys, etc.) using simplified forms.
step 04
Begin adding shadows and highlights to create form and volume, paying attention to the light source.
step 05
Refine the details of each object, such as the spiral pattern on the shell and the details on the clock face.
step 06
Add the red ribbon, focusing on the folds and highlights to create a sense of movement.
step 07
Paint the boats in the background, simplifying the details and focusing on their overall shape and color.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors, values, and details to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · cadmium red · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · viridian green · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of blue for the sky and sea by adding white and a touch of raw umber. Achieve the red ribbon color by mixing cadmium red with a touch of white for highlights and black for shadows. Create the shell colors by mixing viridian green, yellow ochre, and raw umber.

techniques