plate no. 7456
Fishermen
some experience helpful
This painting is great for learning about simplifying forms and using color to create mood. Students will practice loose brushwork and capturing the essence of a scene rather than precise details.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: horizon line, landmass, pier, and figures.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the blue of the sea, the lighter blue of the sky, and the brown/green of the land.
- step 03
Add the darker blues and greens to the sea to create depth and variation.
- step 04
Paint the figures on the pier with simple, dark shapes, adding highlights where appropriate.
- step 05
Add details like the boat, the red umbrella, and the architectural elements on the landmass.
- step 06
Refine the brushstrokes and color variations to capture the energy of the painting.
- step 07
Add the fishing poles and any other fine details.
- step 08
Step back and adjust the composition as needed.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · cerulean blue · raw umber
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · titanium white
Mix blues with white for the sky and lighter areas of the sea. Use raw umber and white to create the landmass. Mix red and white for the umbrella.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·loose brushwork
- ·simplification of forms
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality.
- →Making the colors too uniform and flat.
- →Not capturing the correct proportions of the figures.
- →Getting the perspective of the pier wrong.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
A medium-sized canvas (16x20 or similar) is recommended. Use good quality paints for best results.
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