plate no. 2431
Coconut Palms
Dorrit Black, 1949
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified forms and color blocking to represent a landscape. It will also develop skills in creating texture and suggesting depth with limited color variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the landscape: hills, trees, and the river.
- step 02
Divide the composition into distinct color areas.
- step 03
Apply the base color for the sky/background.
- step 04
Paint the green areas for the hills and foliage, varying the shades slightly.
- step 05
Add the brown tones for the foreground and tree trunks.
- step 06
Paint the river with white, adding subtle blue tones for depth.
- step 07
Outline the major shapes with a darker color to define the forms.
- step 08
Add final details and textures with dry brushing or stippling.
color palette
primary · green · brown · white
secondary · blue · dark green
Mix different shades of green by adding white or brown to the base green. Use blue sparingly to create cooler tones in the water and sky.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·dry brushing
- ·simplified forms
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the color palette.
- →Losing the simplified shapes.
- →Creating too much detail.
- →Not varying the shades of green and brown enough.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Acrylic paints (green, brown, white, blue)
- ·Canvas or thick paper
- ·Assorted paint brushes (flat and round)
- ·Palette
- ·Water container
- ·Paper towels
- ·Pencil
- ·Eraser
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Retarder medium
Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture. Acrylics are recommended for their fast drying time.
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