plate no. 1243
On the Beach
Roman Selsky, 1970
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice color mixing to achieve skin tones and learn how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes. It also encourages expressive brushwork to convey texture and light.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figures, boats, and background elements.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, water, and ground using thin washes.
- step 03
Mix skin tones using a limited palette and apply them to the figures, paying attention to light and shadow.
- step 04
Add details to the figures, such as hair and facial features, using small brushstrokes.
- step 05
Paint the boats and other background elements, simplifying their forms and colors.
- step 06
Develop the textures of the beach and clouds with expressive brushwork.
- step 07
Refine the composition by adjusting colors and values as needed.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre · raw umber
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian
Mix skin tones by combining white, yellow ochre, and alizarin crimson, adjusting the proportions to achieve different shades. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, adding small amounts of yellow ochre for variation.
techniques
- ·color mixing
- ·blocking in
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·simplification of forms
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Getting bogged down in realistic rendering
- →Using too many colors
- →Ignoring the overall composition
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing and create a harmonious painting. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and improve flow.
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