plate no. 8693

Jonah

oilSymbolismreligious paintingoceanwavesfigureangelcloudsreligious

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to create dynamic movement with brushstrokes and how to build up layers of color to achieve depth and atmosphere. It also provides practice in depicting figures within a chaotic environment.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, the whale, and the angel.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the painting with a dark brown or umber.
step 03
Begin layering in mid-tones, using a mix of browns, ochres, and creams to define the waves and clouds.
step 04
Use short, energetic brushstrokes to create the texture of the water and the movement of the waves.
step 05
Add highlights to the crests of the waves and the figure to create contrast and depth.
step 06
Paint the angel figure with light, ethereal colors, blending the edges to create a sense of glow.
step 07
Refine the details of the figure and the whale, paying attention to the direction of light and shadow.
step 08
Add final touches and glazes to unify the painting and enhance the overall atmosphere.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Achieve the various browns by mixing raw umber, burnt sienna, and ivory black in different proportions. Use titanium white to lighten these mixtures and create highlights.

techniques