plate no. 7348
Restaurant Overlooking the Pacific
John Register, 1990
some experience helpful
This painting provides an opportunity to practice color mixing to achieve subtle variations in tone and to understand how light affects the color of objects. Students can also learn about creating depth through atmospheric perspective and linear perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the perspective of the room and furniture.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the placement of the window.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, ocean, wall, and floor, using thin washes.
- step 04
Begin to refine the colors and values, adding subtle variations to create depth and form.
- step 05
Paint the details of the chairs and table, paying attention to the highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Add the details of the window frame and the reflection on the table.
- step 07
Refine the edges and details, adjusting the values as needed.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · raw umber
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre
Mix ultramarine blue and white for the sky and ocean, varying the ratio to create depth. Use raw umber and white for the walls and floor, adding touches of yellow ochre for warmth. Mix cadmium red with raw umber for the chairs.
techniques
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·linear perspective
- ·glazing
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Getting the perspective wrong can ruin the composition.
- →Using colors that are too saturated can make the painting look unrealistic.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in value can make the painting look flat.
- →Overworking the details can make the painting look stiff.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A smooth canvas surface will help with blending.
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