plate no. 0877
Perran Point - Cornwall
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, and in rendering the texture of water and rocks using varied brushstrokes. Students will also learn to simplify complex landscapes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the horizon line and major landforms, paying attention to proportions.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, adding subtle variations for clouds.
- step 03
Establish the basic colors of the sea, using darker blues further away and lighter greens closer to the shore.
- step 04
Paint the cliffs and vegetation, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the rocks and beach, varying the size and shape of the pebbles.
- step 06
Refine the waves and highlights on the water surface.
- step 07
Add final details to the sky and land, adjusting values and colors as needed.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · raw umber · sap green · cadmium yellow light
Mix blues and whites for the sky and sea, adding touches of green and yellow for variations. Use yellow ochre and raw umber for the cliffs and beach, mixing in greens for vegetation.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
- →Creating too much contrast, making the painting look harsh.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (if using oils)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·photo reference
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly, but oils allow for more blending time.
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