plate no. 1344
Crimea. Koktebel
Ivan Bilibin, 1939
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It's also a good exercise in observing subtle color variations in natural light.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the large rocks in the foreground, the rocks in the sea, and the distant mountains.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of pale yellow and blue, blending softly.
- step 03
Establish the base color of the sea with a mix of blue, green, and white, varying the tones slightly.
- step 04
Start layering colors on the distant mountains, using light browns and blues to suggest depth.
- step 05
Begin building up the colors of the rocks in the sea, using darker browns and grays for shadows and lighter tones for highlights.
- step 06
Focus on the foreground rocks, layering browns, greens, and yellows to create texture and form. Pay attention to the subtle color variations.
- step 07
Add details to the water surface, suggesting ripples and reflections with horizontal strokes.
- step 08
Refine the edges of the rocks and add any final details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · sap green · raw sienna
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Achieve the various browns by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and white. Use white to lighten and desaturate colors for the sky and water.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the rocks, losing the overall sense of form.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in an unnatural appearance.
- →Neglecting the subtle color variations in the water and sky.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (#2, #4, #6)
- ·Flat brush (#8)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Rags or paper towels
optional
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·Easel
Use a medium-textured canvas for better paint adhesion. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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