plate no. 8785
On the Deck
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand layering colors and creating texture with repeated brushstrokes. It will also develop skills in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes: the figure, the deck, and the background.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the green sky, the yellow deck, the red stripe, and the grey water.
- step 03
Add the darker tones to define the figure's hair and robe.
- step 04
Create the textured effect on the deck and water using short, repeated brushstrokes.
- step 05
Layer lighter colors over the base colors to create highlights and variations.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figure and the deck railing.
- step 07
Add final touches to the background to create depth.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · grey · green
secondary · red · brown · black
Mix the green by combining yellow and a touch of black. The grey can be achieved by mixing black and white, or by using a cool grey straight from the tube.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the texture, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Failing to simplify the forms, making the painting look too detailed.
- →Not achieving the right color balance, making the painting look flat.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color within each area.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Canvas or wood panel
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brush size 4
- ·Flat brush size 6
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder medium
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to allow for better blending and layering.
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