plate no. 9426

Gitwangak, Queen Charlotte Islands

Emily Carr, 1912

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapetotem polesbuildingsfigureslandscapeskytrees

some experience helpful

This painting helps develop skills in layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. Students can learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and practice atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the totem poles, buildings, and landscape, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, using short, broken brushstrokes to create a textured effect.
step 03
Establish the base colors for the land and buildings, using a mix of browns, greens, and oranges.
step 04
Add details to the totem poles, focusing on the shapes and patterns of the carvings.
step 05
Layer colors on the land to create depth and texture, using darker greens and browns in the foreground and lighter colors in the background.
step 06
Paint the figures with simple shapes and colors, suggesting their form and movement.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to the buildings and totem poles to create a sense of volume.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium orange · viridian green · raw umber

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create atmospheric perspective. Browns can be achieved by mixing red, yellow, and blue.

techniques