plate no. 5970

Glimpse of the Sea, Long Island

Robert Julian Onderdonk, 1906

oilImpressionismlandscapetreeslandscapeskycloudsfieldwater

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for natural light and shadow, and learn how to suggest detail with loose, expressive brushstrokes. The painting also offers a good exercise in creating depth through 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 composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, horizon line, and path.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, blending the colors softly.
step 03
Establish the basic color of the distant water and landmass.
step 04
Lay in the main colors of the field, using greens, yellows, and browns, varying the tones to create depth.
step 05
Paint the trees, focusing on the shapes of the foliage and the interplay of light and shadow.
step 06
Add details to the path, suggesting texture and form with short brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the details of the distant house and fence.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

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

secondary · viridian green · raw umber · cadmium yellow light

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and viridian green. Create warm browns by mixing burnt sienna and raw umber. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·alla prima
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
→Failing to establish a clear sense of depth.
→Making the colors too saturated; remember to tone them down for a natural look.