plate no. 4685
July (On the beach)
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a landscape and capturing the subtle color variations of light reflecting on water. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through color and value.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the general areas of the sky, water, and figures.
- step 03
Block in the main colors of the sky and water, using thin washes.
- step 04
Begin to define the figures, starting with the larger shapes and gradually adding details.
- step 05
Pay close attention to the light and shadow on the figures and clothing.
- step 06
Add the details of the faces and hands, using small brushes.
- step 07
Refine the reflections in the water, using broken brushstrokes.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · raw umber · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna · alizarin crimson
Achieve the subtle color variations by mixing white with small amounts of the other colors. Use yellow ochre and raw umber for the sand and skin tones. Mix ultramarine blue and white for the sky and water, adding touches of yellow ochre or burnt sienna to create variations.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·broken brushstrokes
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Failing to capture the subtle color variations of the light.
- →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·turpentine
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Prepare the canvas with gesso before starting to paint.
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