plate no. 8762
La Jolla Shores
Charles Reiffel, 1931
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line, cliffs, and beach.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, ocean, sand, and vegetation.
- step 03
Add darker values to define the shadows and forms of the cliffs and rocks.
- step 04
Layer lighter values to create highlights and the effect of sunlight.
- step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to add texture to the sand and foliage.
- step 06
Paint in the figures on the beach with simple shapes and colors.
- step 07
Add details to the waves and foam, using white and light blue.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition and add final touches.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · viridian green · burnt sienna
Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and viridian green. Achieve sandy tones by combining yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and white. Vary blues by adding white or a touch of green.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details
- →muddying the colors
- →incorrect value relationships
- →neglecting the overall composition
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting varnish
- ·rags
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a medium to help with blending and layering.
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