plate no. 6829
Mail Service in the Arctic
Rockwell Kent, 1937
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition with multiple subjects, and creating a sense of depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. It also provides an opportunity to practice color mixing to achieve muted and harmonious tones.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, airplane, and sled.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the basic shapes of the mountains and sky.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and ground.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the figures, paying attention to the folds in their clothing and the shapes of their faces.
- step 05
Paint the airplane, focusing on its geometric shapes and the light reflecting off its surface.
- step 06
Add details to the sled and reindeer, paying attention to their textures and forms.
- step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors (e.g., burnt umber and ultramarine blue) with white. Use small amounts of cadmium red and yellow ochre to add warmth to certain areas.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Overworking the colors and losing the muted tones.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (18x36 inches)
- ·oil paints (burnt umber, ultramarine blue, titanium white, cadmium red, yellow ochre)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
A larger canvas will allow for more detail. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the overall color scheme.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
