plate no. 4419
Moonlight
Maxfield Parrish, 1932
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the rocks and water, focusing on the overall composition.
- step 02
Establish the darkest values in the shadows of the rocks using a dark brown or purple.
- step 03
Begin layering in the mid-tones, using a mix of reds, browns, and purples.
- step 04
Add highlights to the rocks, using lighter shades of red and brown.
- step 05
Paint the water, starting with a base of dark blue and adding lighter blues and greens to create the illusion of movement.
- step 06
Carefully blend the colors in the water to create a smooth, flowing effect.
- step 07
Add the bright light source, using white and yellow to create a strong contrast with the surrounding colors.
- step 08
Refine the details of the rocks and water, adding texture and definition.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · dioxazine purple
Mix burnt sienna and ultramarine blue for the dark shadows. Use white to create highlights and blend colors for a smooth transition.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Failing to establish a strong value contrast.
- →Inaccurate color mixing, leading to unnatural-looking colors.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for the best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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