plate no. 8929
River Boats
Wayne Thiebaud, 2001
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve the unique color palette and practice applying visible brushstrokes to create texture and form.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the river, fields, and horizon.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, water, and land using simplified hues.
- step 03
Add the darker values to define the shapes of the fields and the riverbanks.
- step 04
Introduce variations in color within each area to create depth and interest.
- step 05
Paint the trees along the riverbanks, using short, visible brushstrokes.
- step 06
Add details such as the boats and reflections in the water.
- step 07
Refine the edges and shapes of the various elements.
- step 08
Add final highlights to enhance the sense of light and form.
color palette
primary · turquoise · yellow ochre · dark green
secondary · burnt sienna · cerulean blue · red
Achieve the unique colors by mixing primary colors with white and small amounts of complementary colors to create muted tones. Use glazes to build up color depth.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overmixing colors, resulting in muddy tones.
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of perspective.
- →Using brushstrokes that are too uniform and lack variation.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations within each area.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process. Consider using a medium to adjust the consistency and drying time of the paints.
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