plate no. 6694
Concarneau
Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1891
some experience helpful
This painting offers a good opportunity to practice creating depth using value and atmospheric perspective. Students can also learn to simplify complex textures like rocks and water using loose brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly with charcoal or diluted paint.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the large masses of land and water.
- step 03
Block in the sky with a thin wash of pale yellow and white, blending smoothly.
- step 04
Paint the distant structure with a muted beige, paying attention to its simple form.
- step 05
Start building up the dark rocks in the foreground with dark browns and blacks, leaving some lighter areas for highlights.
- step 06
Add the reflections in the water using horizontal brushstrokes and similar colors to the rocks.
- step 07
Introduce subtle color variations in the rocks and water to create visual interest.
- step 08
Add the trees on the right with short, broken brushstrokes.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
Mix dark browns by combining black, umber, and a touch of blue. Achieve the sky color by diluting white with a hint of yellow ochre. Create variations in the rocks by adding small amounts of sienna or blue to the base brown.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·value studies
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the rocks, losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Making the sky too bright or saturated, overpowering the rest of the painting.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a flat image.
- →Not capturing the subtle color variations in the rocks and water.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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