plate no. 8667
Prior's Haven, Tynemouth
John Wilson Carmichael, 1845
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering complex architectural forms within a landscape. Students will also learn to create subtle color variations to depict light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the castle, coastline, and foreground elements.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a light wash of blue and gray, blending the clouds softly.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the castle and cliffs using muted earth tones.
- step 04
Paint the sea with varying shades of blue and gray, suggesting the movement of the water.
- step 05
Add details to the castle, including windows, walls, and towers.
- step 06
Develop the foreground with rocks, grass, and figures, paying attention to light and shadow.
- step 07
Refine the details of the beach and figures, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 08
Add final touches and glazes to unify the painting and enhance the atmosphere.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white
secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix blues and grays for the sky and sea. Use burnt umber and raw sienna for the castle and cliffs. Add white to lighten the colors and create atmospheric perspective.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the castle, losing the overall atmospheric effect.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated, creating a harsh contrast.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and perspective.
- →Neglecting the subtle variations in color and tone.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·turpentine
- ·retouch varnish
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Prepare the canvas with gesso before painting.
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