plate no. 7346

Grey Mood, Deer Isle

Karl Schrag, 1981

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapewatertreesskyislandgrass

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in simplifying complex landscapes into basic shapes and values.

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 land, water, and sky, paying attention to the horizon line and the placement of the island.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, water, and land using thin washes.
step 03
Begin adding darker values to the sky and water to create depth and atmosphere.
step 04
Layer in the greens and yellows of the land, using short, directional brushstrokes to suggest texture.
step 05
Add details to the trees and foliage, varying the colors and values to create interest.
step 06
Refine the reflections in the water, using vertical strokes to mimic the shapes above.
step 07
Add highlights to the land and water to create a sense of light and dimension.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the colors, values, and composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue · raw umber

secondary · cadmium yellow light · burnt sienna · viridian green

Mix greens by combining yellow and blue, and grays by combining blue, umber, and white. Use white to lighten values and create subtle color variations.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·layering
·scumbling
·broken color
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Not paying attention to the values and creating a flat, uninteresting composition.
→Using too much detail and losing the overall impression of the scene.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere in the sky and water.