plate no. 5044

Iceberg

oilRomanticismmarinaicebergwaterskylandscapereflection

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and subtle value transitions to create a sense of depth and realism. It also provides practice in rendering the texture of ice and water.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the iceberg and horizon line, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of color, focusing on the light and shadow areas.
step 03
Begin layering in the dark bands of the iceberg, carefully observing the subtle variations in tone.
step 04
Build up the highlights on the iceberg, using lighter values and cooler tones.
step 05
Paint the sky with soft, blended colors, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.
step 06
Add the reflections in the water, using slightly darker and desaturated versions of the iceberg and sky colors.
step 07
Refine the details of the iceberg, such as the texture of the ice and the edges of the dark bands.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix ultramarine blue and raw umber for the dark areas of the iceberg and water. Use titanium white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Add yellow ochre and burnt sienna for subtle warmth in the sky and iceberg.

techniques