plate no. 0305
Oil pollution at the North Sea by the Erica
Paul Werner, 2000
some experience helpful
Recreating this image will help students understand expressive mark-making and how to use value to create depth and atmosphere. It also encourages simplification of complex scenes into essential forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
1
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major land/sea masses.
- step 02
Begin blocking in the darkest areas with bold, directional strokes.
- step 03
Use lighter pressure and less ink/paint to create mid-tones and suggest atmospheric perspective.
- step 04
Add details to the foreground, using sharper lines and more defined shapes.
- step 05
Create texture in the water and sky using a variety of brushstrokes and techniques.
- step 06
Pay attention to the negative space to balance the composition.
- step 07
Refine the overall value structure, adding highlights and shadows as needed.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall impact, making final adjustments to ensure a cohesive and expressive image.
color palette
primary · black · white
secondary ·
Vary the intensity of black by diluting it with water or blending it with white to create shades of gray.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·directional strokes
- ·value gradation
- ·expressive mark-making
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the image and losing the spontaneity of the original.
- →Creating a flat, lifeless image by not varying the value range.
- →Failing to capture the energy and movement of the scene.
- →Ignoring the importance of negative space.
materials
surface · Heavyweight drawing paper or canvas paper
required
- ·Heavyweight paper
- ·Black ink or paint (acrylic or oil)
- ·Assorted brushes (various sizes and shapes)
- ·Water or solvent (depending on medium)
- ·Palette or mixing surface
- ·Rags or paper towels
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·graphite pencil
Experiment with different types of brushes and inks/paints to achieve a variety of textures and effects.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
related artworks
Dolly Sisters
Kees van Dongen
Nude with Loaves
Jean Helion
My Father
Carlos Botelho
Helen
Chronis Botsoglou
The portrait painter in the country
Albin Egger-Lienz
Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague
Maria Bozoky
Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city
Paul Werner
Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)
James Ensor