plate no. 1298
Passing Schooner
John French Sloan, 1917
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in capturing atmospheric perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, the position of the boat, the pier, and the large masses of trees.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, water, distant land, and the main tree masses, using thin washes.
- step 03
Develop the sky with subtle variations in blue and white to suggest clouds.
- step 04
Add details to the water, including reflections and subtle color changes.
- step 05
Work on the trees, layering different shades of green to create depth and texture, using visible brushstrokes.
- step 06
Paint the pier, paying attention to the perspective and the shadows cast by the pilings.
- step 07
Add the boat, focusing on the shapes of the sails and the hull.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and vary the shades by adding white or burnt sienna. Achieve the water color by mixing blues with a touch of green and white. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create the pier and the red building.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the trees, resulting in a flat, lifeless appearance.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and distance.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, making the painting look unnatural.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value in the water and sky.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·viridian green oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·round brushes size 2, 4, 6
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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