plate no. 9215
Contemplação
Antonio Carneiro, 1911
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating atmospheric perspective and using a limited color palette to create a mood. Students will also practice rendering form with loose brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large shapes of the rocks, sea, and sky with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Establish the darkest values in the foreground rocks to create depth.
- step 04
Gradually build up the colors and values, layering brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 05
Pay attention to the subtle color shifts in the sky and sea to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figure, focusing on the light and shadow.
- step 07
Add final highlights to the rocks and the figure to create a sense of realism.
- step 08
Soften edges and blend colors as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric effect.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix burnt umber and ivory black for the dark rocks. Use raw sienna and yellow ochre for the sky and lighter areas of the rocks. Add a touch of ultramarine blue to the sky and sea to create depth and atmosphere.
techniques
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·limited palette
- ·tonal painting
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive brushstrokes.
- →Creating too much contrast and losing the subtle atmospheric effect.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a canvas with a medium texture to help create the broken brushstroke effect. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Dolly Sisters
Kees van Dongen
Nude with Loaves
Jean Helion
My Father
Carlos Botelho
Helen
Chronis Botsoglou
The portrait painter in the country
Albin Egger-Lienz
Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague
Maria Bozoky
Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city
Paul Werner
Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)
James Ensor