plate no. 8617
Grammont
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as practicing repetitive brushstrokes for texture.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, dividing the canvas into sky, mountains, and water.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, adding white for clouds.
- step 03
Establish the mountain range with dark blues and greens, suggesting the peaks and valleys.
- step 04
Paint the distant water with a flat layer of mid-tone blue.
- step 05
Add a darker blue band to the water to create depth.
- step 06
Begin adding the circular patterns in the foreground water, using a base of light yellow-brown.
- step 07
Outline each circle with dark blue, leaving some of the base color showing.
- step 08
Refine the details in the mountains and water, adding highlights and shadows.
color palette
primary · Prussian blue · Titanium white · Yellow ochre
secondary · Sap green · Ultramarine blue
Mix Prussian blue and white for the sky and water. Use yellow ochre and Prussian blue to create the greens in the mountains. Add white to lighten these colors.
techniques
- ·Layering
- ·Pointillism (modified)
- ·Color mixing
- ·Atmospheric perspective
- ·Broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the mountains.
- →Making the circular patterns in the water too uniform.
- →Not creating enough depth in the water.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brush (size 8)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Easel
- ·Rags
- ·Medium gloss
Use good quality paints for better color saturation and longevity.
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