plate no. 2058
Maine Coast Booths Bay
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and color mixing to create atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the land, water, and sky, paying attention to the horizon line and major rock formations.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying thin washes of color to the sky, water, and land.
- step 03
Begin building up layers of color on the rocks, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and form.
- step 04
Add details to the trees and foliage, using a variety of greens, yellows, and browns.
- step 05
Paint the boat in the distance, simplifying its form and using muted colors to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 06
Refine the details of the foreground, adding highlights and shadows to the rocks and foliage.
- step 07
Add final touches to the sky and water, blending colors and softening edges.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition, ensuring that the focal point is clear and the colors are balanced.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt sienna · sap green · cadmium yellow
Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky and water. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create warm tones for the rocks and foliage. Mix greens by combining blue and yellow.
techniques
- ·broken brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and creating a harsh effect.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Ignoring the principles of atmospheric perspective and creating a flat image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 8)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 10)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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