plate no. 7464
Low Tide, St. Ives Harbor
Edward E. Simmons, 1887
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing atmospheric perspective and simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It also provides practice in rendering reflections and creating a sense of depth with subtle color shifts.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the boats, harbor wall, and lighthouse, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas: sky, water, harbor wall, and sand, using thin washes of color.
- step 04
Start adding details to the boats, focusing on their shapes and the play of light and shadow.
- step 05
Refine the details of the harbor wall and lighthouse, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
- step 06
Add reflections in the water, using slightly darker and muted versions of the colors above.
- step 07
Use dry brush techniques to add texture to the sand and harbor wall.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · ultramarine blue
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · payne's gray
Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining raw umber, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create warm highlights on the sand and boats. Payne's gray can be used to darken shadows and add depth.
techniques
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
- →Creating colors that are too saturated and not reflecting the muted tones of the scene.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle variations in color and value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·assorted flat brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to allow for better paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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