plate no. 3188
Morning at Laguna
Charles Reiffel, 1935
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the rocks and figures.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, ocean, and rocks, using thin washes.
- step 03
Begin layering colors in the sky and ocean, creating variations in tone and hue.
- step 04
Add details to the rocks, using darker values in the shadows and lighter values on the highlights.
- step 05
Paint the figures, keeping them simple and suggestive.
- step 06
Add the white highlights of the breaking waves and foam.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to emphasize the texture.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · yellow ochre · raw umber
secondary · viridian green · cadmium orange · ultramarine blue
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Use white to lighten colors and create variations in value. Mix orange and umber for the rocks.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Making the figures too detailed or prominent.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted flat brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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