plate no. 3954

Coastal Storm

oilTonalismlandscapeskycloudstreegrassdunesocean

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth through subtle color and value shifts. Students can also learn to depict movement and weather effects, such as wind and rain, using brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the horizon line and the placement of the tree.
step 02
Establish the sky with broad strokes, blending dark and light grays to create the stormy atmosphere.
step 03
Block in the distant landscape and ocean with muted blues and greens, using lighter values for areas further away.
step 04
Develop the foreground dunes and grass with a mix of browns, greens, and yellows, using directional strokes to suggest the wind's movement.
step 05
Paint the tree, capturing its bent shape and the direction of the wind.
step 06
Add details to the grass and foliage, creating texture with short, broken strokes.
step 07
Refine the clouds and rain, adjusting values and edges to enhance the sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism and drama.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · sap green · cadmium yellow light

Mix various shades of gray by combining ivory black and titanium white. Add small amounts of yellow ochre or raw umber to warm the grays. Use ultramarine blue to create cool grays and muted greens for the distant landscape.

techniques

·atmospheric perspective
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·blending
·directional brushstrokes

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the foreground, losing the sense of depth.
→Creating too much contrast, resulting in a harsh and unrealistic atmosphere.
→Ignoring the direction of the wind, leading to a static and lifeless composition.
→Using colors that are too saturated, creating a jarring effect.