plate no. 2252

Bulli Pier, South Coast

Grace Cossington Smith, 1931

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapepierbeachskycloudswaveslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors with visible brushstrokes and simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It also encourages exploration of color temperature and atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the pier and landmass.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes, using a mix of blues, whites, and grays.
step 03
Establish the basic shapes of the waves and beach, using light and dark values to create depth.
step 04
Paint the pier, paying attention to its structure and the negative space between the supports.
step 05
Add details to the landmass, including the trees and any visible buildings.
step 06
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, adjusting the contrast and adding highlights.
step 07
Develop the texture of the waves and sand with short, directional brushstrokes.
step 08
Add final touches and details to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson · payne's grey

Mix various shades of gray by combining white, blue, and umber. Use alizarin crimson to create subtle pinks and purples in the sky. Yellow ochre can be used to warm up the sand and add highlights to the waves.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·directional brushstrokes
·atmospheric perspective
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point.
→Ignoring the importance of value contrast.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brushes (various sizes)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil or acrylic medium
·mineral spirits or water (for cleaning)

optional

·easel
·painting medium
·varnish

Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the visibility of the brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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