plate no. 0033
Overy Marshes
Norman Ackroyd, 2006
some experience helpful
This painting provides a good opportunity to practice creating depth through value and layering. Students can also develop their skills in depicting textures with expressive brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare the canvas with a light gray base.
- step 02
Lightly sketch the horizon line and the general placement of the reeds.
- step 03
Begin layering the sky with lighter grays, blending softly.
- step 04
Establish the darker areas of the foreground with a thin wash of dark gray/black.
- step 05
Add individual reeds using vertical strokes, varying thickness and height.
- step 06
Create texture in the foreground by dabbing and stippling darker values.
- step 07
Add subtle reflections of the reeds in the water.
- step 08
Refine details and adjust values to create depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · black · white · gray
secondary · neutral gray
Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white in different ratios. Use a touch of neutral gray to soften the tones.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·value gradation
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Creating too much contrast too early
- →Making the reeds too uniform
- →Ignoring the subtle value shifts in the sky
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Canvas or painting panel
- ·Black acrylic or oil paint
- ·White acrylic or oil paint
- ·Gray acrylic or oil paint
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brush
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
optional
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
Using a toned canvas can help establish the overall value range more quickly.
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