plate no. 7378
Jeweled Coast
Eyvind Earle, 1976
some experience helpful
This painting will help students practice layering techniques to create depth and atmospheric perspective, as well as detailed rendering of foliage and branches.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, cliff, and tree branch.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background fog and sky.
- step 03
Layer darker tones to establish the shadows on the mountains and cliff face.
- step 04
Add details to the trees and foliage, using varying shades of green and blue.
- step 05
Introduce the red and orange accents on the cliff face.
- step 06
Refine the details of the tree branch, paying attention to the delicate needles.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights to enhance the luminosity of the painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · viridian green · burnt umber
secondary · cadmium red · titanium white · sap green
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and use white to create lighter tints of all colors. Achieve the atmospheric fog effect by glazing thin layers of diluted yellow ochre and white.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →overworking details too early
- →creating muddy colors by over-mixing
- →failing to establish a strong value structure
- →not softening edges enough to create atmospheric depth
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
Using a smooth canvas will help achieve the blended effects. Acrylics are suggested for faster drying times, but oils can also be used.
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