plate no. 6238
ROCKS AND SURF
some experience helpful
This painting is great for practicing broken color and capturing the movement of water. Students will learn to simplify complex forms and use brushstrokes to suggest texture.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, indicating the horizon line, rock formations, and wave positions.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a thin wash of muted blue and grey.
- step 03
Block in the general colors of the sea, using varying shades of blue and green.
- step 04
Define the rock formations with browns, greens, and greys, paying attention to their shapes and shadows.
- step 05
Add the white foam of the waves using thick, broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the details of the rocks and waves, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value relationships.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to capture the light and movement.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt umber · viridian green
Mix blues and whites for the sky and sea, adding touches of yellow ochre for warmth. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre to create earthy browns for the rocks, and mix greens by combining blue and yellow.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to capture the movement and energy of the waves.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the sea and sky.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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