plate no. 9812
Ruins by the Sea
Arnold Böcklin, 1880
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, layering, and creating a moody, dramatic atmosphere using a limited color palette. It also provides practice in depicting architectural details and natural forms in low light conditions.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the ruins, trees, and horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the dark background of the sky and sea using a mix of blues, browns, and black.
- step 03
Begin layering in the lighter areas of the sky, creating the effect of moonlight breaking through the clouds.
- step 04
Block in the general shapes of the ruins and trees, paying attention to their relative values.
- step 05
Add details to the ruins, such as the window opening and crumbling edges.
- step 06
Refine the shapes of the trees and foliage, using darker tones to create depth.
- step 07
Add the flock of birds in the sky, using small, dark brushstrokes.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and details to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna
Achieve the dark, muted tones by mixing blues, browns, and black. Use white sparingly to create highlights and atmospheric effects. Yellow ochre and raw sienna can be added in small amounts to warm up certain areas.
techniques
- ·Layering
- ·Dry brushing
- ·Scumbling
- ·Atmospheric perspective
- ·Value control
common pitfalls
- →Overusing white, which can make the painting look chalky.
- →Losing the sense of depth by not paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
- →Getting bogged down in details too early in the process.
- →Not creating enough contrast between the light and dark areas.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Oil paints (ultramarine blue, burnt umber, ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, raw sienna)
- ·Assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Rags
optional
- ·Medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·Easel
- ·Reference photo print
Using a toned canvas (e.g., with a thin wash of burnt umber) can help to establish the dark background and create a more unified painting.
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