plate no. 9144

Granadella

Alejandro Cabeza, 2020

oil, canvasContemporary Realismmarinarocksseacoastlinewaterlandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for natural light and shadow, and in using visible brushstrokes to create texture and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the rocks and water.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: the sky, water, and large rock formations.
step 03
Establish the darkest shadows and lightest highlights on the rocks.
step 04
Develop the color variations in the water, using short, directional brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the shapes and edges of the rocks, adding details and texture.
step 06
Add highlights to the water to suggest reflections and movement.
step 07
Check the overall balance of the painting and make any necessary adjustments.
step 08
Add final details and signature.

color palette

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

secondary · viridian green · alizarin crimson · purple

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Create variations in the rocks by mixing white, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and touches of alizarin crimson or purple. Achieve the water's color by mixing blue, green, and white, adjusting the proportions for different areas.

techniques

·broken color
·alla prima
·scumbling
·directional brushstrokes

common pitfalls

→Over-blending the colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
→Failing to capture the subtle color variations in the rocks and water.
→Making the brushstrokes too uniform, lacking texture and interest.
→Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in defining form.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 or similar)
·oil paints (titanium white, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, viridian green, alizarin crimson)
·palette
·assorted brushes (flat and round)
·linseed oil or other painting medium
·palette knife
·rags
·odorless mineral spirits