plate no. 1574
Onda
Antonio Carneiro, 1912
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to mix subtle color variations to create a sense of depth. It also provides practice in capturing the movement of water.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, dividing the canvas into sky, sea, and sand.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light pinkish-gray, blending smoothly.
- step 03
Establish the dark tones of the sea, using a mix of blues and browns.
- step 04
Add the lighter tones of the distant waves, softening the edges.
- step 05
Paint the foreground wave, paying attention to the highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Add details to the wave crest, suggesting foam and spray.
- step 07
Block in the sand with a pinkish hue, adding subtle variations.
- step 08
Refine the details and blend the transitions between the elements.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber · rose madder
secondary · yellow ochre · payne's gray
Mix blues and browns for the ocean depths. Use white and a touch of rose madder for the sky and sand. Add yellow ochre to white for highlights on the waves.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
- ·blending
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the waves
- →Creating harsh lines between the sky and sea
- →Using too much pure white
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the sand
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·rose madder oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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