plate no. 7966
Ravine with Estuary. Bristol Channel and Suspension Bridge
Alfred Wallis, 1938
study guide
est. 4 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes: the ravine, the estuary, and the bridge.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, water, and land masses.
- step 03
Add darker tones to define the shadows and contours of the ravine walls.
- step 04
Introduce highlights using lighter shades of green and gray to suggest form.
- step 05
Paint the bridge with simple lines, focusing on its position within the landscape.
- step 06
Add touches of yellow along the edges of the water and land to create visual interest.
- step 07
Refine the shapes and edges, but maintain the painting's raw, simplified style.
- step 08
Add the artist's signature in the upper right corner.
color palette
primary · gray-green · dark green · light gray
secondary · yellow · black
Mix gray-green by combining green, white, and a touch of black. Vary the shades of green by adding small amounts of yellow or black.
techniques
- ·simplified shapes
- ·limited palette
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the painting's naïve charm.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Making the composition too symmetrical and static.
- →Ignoring the texture created by the brushstrokes.
materials
surface · Primed canvas panel
required
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Canvas or painting panel
- ·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·Rags
- ·Water or solvent
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a limited palette to capture the essence of the painting. Don't be afraid to leave some areas of the canvas unpainted.
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