plate no. 0509
Inland Sea
Ivan Albright, 1969
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice creating depth through layering and learn how to depict water with expressive brushstrokes. It also provides an opportunity to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.
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 shapes of the mountain, sea, and boats.
- step 02
Apply a light wash of yellow and gray to the sky.
- step 03
Paint the mountain using shades of brown, adding darker values for shadows.
- step 04
Create the base color for the water using a mix of green, gray, and black.
- step 05
Add wave details with short, curved brushstrokes, varying the color and value.
- step 06
Paint the boats, paying attention to their shapes and details.
- step 07
Add highlights to the water and boats to create a sense of light.
- step 08
Refine details and add finishing touches.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · payne's gray
secondary · titanium white · cadmium red
Mix yellows with grays for the sky. Combine browns and blacks for the mountain. Use white and a touch of blue or green to lighten the water.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the water details, resulting in a flat appearance.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the mountain.
- →Making the boats too detailed and distracting.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paper 140lb
- ·watercolor paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brush
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·masking fluid
- ·palette knife
- ·gouache
Using a textured paper can enhance the effect of the waves. Experiment with different brush sizes to create varied textures.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
