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home·artworks·Oregon Coast
Oregon Coast by Milton Avery

plate no. 0316

Oregon Coast

Milton Avery, 1947

oilExpressionismmarinacoastlinerockstreeswaterskylandscape
suitable for beginners

This painting is great for practicing simplified shapes and color blocking. Students can learn to create depth and atmosphere with a limited palette and minimal detail.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic shapes of the rocks, landmasses, and horizon line.

  2. step 02

    Block in the large areas of color: sky, water, land.

  3. step 03

    Add darker values to create shadows and define the forms of the rocks and land.

  4. step 04

    Mix lighter values to suggest highlights and create a sense of depth.

  5. step 05

    Add the details of the trees on the central landmass.

  6. step 06

    Refine the edges of the shapes and blend colors where necessary.

  7. step 07

    Add subtle texture to the sky and water with dry brushing.

  8. step 08

    Step back and adjust colors and values as needed to achieve a harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · pink · green · brown · gray

secondary · purple · yellow

Mix pinks by combining white with a touch of red or purple. Greens can be created by mixing blues and yellows, and browns by mixing reds, yellows, and blues.

techniques

  • ·color blocking
  • ·simplified shapes
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·layering
  • ·blending

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details
  • →Using too many colors
  • →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing
  • →Ignoring the overall composition and balance

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·acrylic or oil paints
  • ·round brushes
  • ·flat brushes
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife

optional

  • ·painting medium
  • ·easel
  • ·rags
  • ·odorless mineral spirits

Use a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process. Consider using a textured canvas to enhance the brushwork.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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