plate no. 8319
Paradise Rocks, Newport
John Frederick Kensett, 1865
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and subtle color blending to create a sense of depth and realism. Students will also learn to simplify complex rock formations into manageable shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare the canvas with a toned ground (e.g., burnt umber wash).
- step 02
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, lake, and foreground.
- step 03
Block in the sky with broad, blended strokes, establishing the overall value range.
- step 04
Establish the distant mountains with muted colors, focusing on value relationships.
- step 05
Develop the mid-ground rocks and hills, adding details and texture.
- step 06
Paint the lake, capturing the reflections of the sky and surrounding landscape.
- step 07
Add details to the foreground grasses and reeds, using darker values.
- step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and adding subtle details.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · ivory black
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and white. Use burnt sienna to add warmth to the rocks and hills. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening and muting colors in the distance.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·tonal painting
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the distant mountains.
- →Creating too much contrast in the foreground.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
A pre-toned canvas will help to establish the overall value range and create a sense of unity.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Sunset with Cows
John Frederick Kensett
Hudson River
John Frederick Kensett
Jersey Marshes
Martin Johnson Heade
Mount Lafayette, New Hampshire
David Johnson
Placid Lake, Adirondacks
David Johnson
The Morteratsch Glacier, Upper Engadine Valley, Pontresina
Albert Bierstadt
Western Kansas
Albert Bierstadt
Sunrise in Nicaragua
Martin Johnson Heade