plate no. 6554

Day Break - Modality Series

Jock Macdonald, 1936

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapeskymountainsmooncloudslight

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. Students will learn to represent light and shadow in an expressive, non-realistic manner.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, moon, and cloud formations.
step 02
Establish the dark areas of the mountains with a base layer of dark blue and black.
step 03
Apply the base color for the sky using blues and purples, leaving space for the moon.
step 04
Paint the moon with a yellow base, then add layers of lighter yellows and blues to create a halo effect.
step 05
Add the yellow and red highlights along the edges of the mountains and in the sky.
step 06
Develop the texture in the sky and mountains using short, visible brushstrokes.
step 07
Add small details like the white dots in the mountains and the cloud shapes.
step 08
Refine the colors and values to achieve the desired mood and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · black

secondary · cadmium red · titanium white · purple

Mix blues and black for the dark mountain areas. Create the moon's glow by layering yellows and adding subtle hints of blue. Achieve the rainbow effect by layering red, yellow, and blue.

techniques