plate no. 3772
Moon on the Lake
Leon Dabo, 1907
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice blending techniques to create atmospheric perspective and learn how to depict reflections on water. It also provides an opportunity to work with a limited color palette to create a cohesive and moody scene.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition: horizon line, placement of the moon, trees, and boat.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, water, and landmass, using thin washes.
- step 03
Establish the value structure, focusing on the contrast between light and dark areas.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, blending carefully.
- step 05
Add the reflection of the moon in the water, using vertical strokes and varying the intensity of the color.
- step 06
Paint the trees in the foreground, paying attention to their silhouette against the sky.
- step 07
Add details to the boat and foreground foliage.
- step 08
Refine the painting, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a sense of harmony.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre
Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the dark blues and grays of the night sky and water. Add titanium white to lighten these colors and create highlights. Use cadmium red for the moon and its reflection, and mix it with burnt umber to create warmer tones.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the sense of atmosphere.
- →Using too much detail in the foreground, which can flatten the composition.
- →Failing to create a convincing reflection of the moon in the water.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle color variations in the sky and water.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for blending and layering. Consider using a pre-toned canvas to create a more unified color scheme.
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