plate no. 1047

Kitwancool

Emily Carr, 1928

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapetotem polestreesvillageskylandscapepath

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and form, as well as simplifying complex shapes into basic geometric forms. It also provides practice in creating a sense of perspective and atmosphere through color and brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the totem poles and the path.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of blue and white, creating the abstract background.
step 03
Establish the green areas of the landscape, varying the shades to create depth.
step 04
Begin to define the shapes of the totem poles with dark browns and blacks, paying attention to the carved details.
step 05
Add highlights to the totem poles and landscape to create a sense of light and shadow.
step 06
Refine the details of the totem poles, adding subtle color variations and textures.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a cohesive and harmonious image.
step 08
Add final details like the path and any small figures or structures in the background.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Viridian green · Burnt umber · Titanium white

secondary · Yellow ochre · Cadmium red · Payne's gray

Mix greens by combining Prussian blue and Yellow ochre. Achieve the browns for the totem poles by mixing Burnt umber with small amounts of Prussian blue and Cadmium red. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques

·Layering
·Dry brushing
·Color mixing
·Impasto
·Scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details of the totem poles, losing the overall impressionistic style.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Failing to establish a strong sense of light and shadow.
→Not simplifying the complex shapes of the totem poles.

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (Prussian blue, Viridian green, Burnt umber, Titanium white, Yellow ochre, Cadmium red, Payne's gray)
·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Rags