plate no. 2580

Night Pine Island

A.Y. Jackson, 1921

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)landscapeislandrockstreeswaterskynight

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex shapes into manageable forms. Students will also learn to capture the mood of a nighttime scene using a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the island, rocks, and trees using light pencil lines.
step 02
Block in the sky with a base layer of dark blue, adding lighter blues and white for stars.
step 03
Apply a base coat of browns and grays to the rocks, varying the tones to suggest form.
step 04
Add highlights to the rocks using lighter shades of beige and yellow, following the direction of the implied light source.
step 05
Paint the water with dark blues and greens, adding subtle reflections of the rocks and sky.
step 06
Define the trees with dark brown or black, simplifying their shapes and suggesting windblown forms.
step 07
Refine the details of the rocks and water, adding texture and highlights with dry brush techniques.
step 08
Add final touches, such as small details in the sky and subtle variations in the rock colors.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the dark blues of the sky and water. Use white to lighten the blues and create highlights. Mix yellow ochre and raw sienna with burnt umber and white to create the various tones of the rocks.

techniques