plate no. 1473
Brighton, East Sussex, from the West Pier
James Webb, 1870
some experience helpful
This painting is a good exercise in atmospheric perspective and depicting a complex scene with many elements. Students can learn to simplify details and focus on overall tonal relationships.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the horizon line and the placement of major elements.
- step 02
Establish the sky with broad washes of color, capturing the cloud formations.
- step 03
Block in the distant buildings with simplified shapes and muted colors.
- step 04
Paint the sea, focusing on the color variations and the suggestion of waves.
- step 05
Add the pier and the figures, simplifying details and focusing on their overall shapes.
- step 06
Add the boats and other details in the sea and on the beach.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of realism.
color palette
primary · titanium white · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · raw umber
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian
Mix muted greens for the sea by combining blue, yellow, and umber. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors for distant objects.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·tonal painting
common pitfalls
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the overall tonal relationships.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·round brushes size 2, 4, 6
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to simplify the initial stages.
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