plate no. 5196

La Jolla Arbor

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapearboroceanfoliageflowerscolumnarchitecture

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in rendering foliage with loose brushstrokes and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to mix subtle color variations to capture the light and shadow on the architectural elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the arbor, column, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, ocean, foliage, and the shaded area under the arbor.
step 03
Begin adding details to the foliage, using short, broken brushstrokes to suggest individual leaves.
step 04
Develop the form of the column, paying attention to the subtle gradations of light and shadow.
step 05
Add the flowers, using small dabs of red paint to create pops of color.
step 06
Refine the details of the arbor structure and the hanging pot.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre or ultramarine blue. Create muted tones by adding small amounts of burnt umber to other colors. Achieve the atmospheric perspective by lightening and desaturating colors as they recede into the distance.

techniques