plate no. 0180
Det döda skeppet
Sven Jonson, 1940
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes and how to create a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective and subtle color shifts.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the cliffs, horizon line, and foreground elements.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, sea, cliffs (light and shadow sides), and foreground.
- step 03
Refine the shapes of the cliffs, paying attention to the geometric structure and the way light falls on them.
- step 04
Add details to the ruins and foreground elements, focusing on their texture and form.
- step 05
Create atmospheric perspective by lightening and desaturating colors as they recede into the distance.
- step 06
Add subtle color variations to the cliffs and foreground to create depth and interest.
- step 07
Paint the birds in the sky with small, delicate brushstrokes.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of depth and form.
color palette
primary · ochre · raw umber · titanium white · payne's gray
secondary · sap green · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna
Mix various shades of ochre and raw umber with white to create the light and shadow areas of the cliffs. Use Payne's gray and white for the sky, adding touches of blue and ochre for variation. Mix greens and browns for the foreground.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·color mixing
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes of the cliffs.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Ignoring the effects of atmospheric perspective.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes sizes #2, #4, #6
- ·flat brush size #8
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly, while oils offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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