plate no. 4909

Grey weather at Pipervika, Akershus

Karl Edvard Diriks, 1922

oilImpressionismmarinashipsharborfigureswaterskybuildings

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing atmospheric perspective and broken color techniques. Students will also learn how to suggest detail rather than rendering every element precisely.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the ships and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of diluted paint, focusing on the sky and water.
step 03
Block in the larger shapes of the ships and buildings using simplified forms and values.
step 04
Begin layering colors and textures, using short, broken brushstrokes to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 05
Add details to the ships and figures, but avoid overworking them.
step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add final touches, such as reflections in the water and subtle color variations in the sky.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall effect, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber

Mix various shades of purple and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the values and create atmospheric haze.

techniques

·broken color
·atmospheric perspective
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·wet-on-dry

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic effect.
→Creating too much contrast and flattening the atmospheric perspective.
→Using colors that are too saturated and clashing with the overall color scheme.
→Not establishing a clear focal point.