plate no. 8091
Kommetjie Lighthouse in the Mist
Gregoire Boonzaier, 1929
some experience helpful
This painting is great for learning atmospheric perspective and how to create a sense of depth using subtle color and value changes. It also provides practice in rendering textures like rocks and foliage with loose brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the lighthouse, horizon line, and major landforms.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a light blue-gray wash, blending it smoothly.
- step 03
Block in the lighthouse with a light value of white, adding subtle shadows to suggest form.
- step 04
Paint the distant land and water, using muted blues and grays to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 05
Add the rocks and vegetation in the foreground, using a variety of greens, browns, and grays.
- step 06
Develop the details of the lighthouse, including windows and subtle variations in tone.
- step 07
Refine the textures of the rocks and foliage with short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · raw umber
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · sap green
Achieve the misty atmosphere by mixing white with small amounts of blue and umber. Mute the greens by mixing with a touch of red or brown.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth with atmospheric perspective.
- →Making the lighthouse too stark white; it needs subtle shadows.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for some texture. Pre-tinting the canvas with a light gray wash can help create a unified base.
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