plate no. 0476
Sailing Ship of Messageries Maritimes
Edouard Riou, 1889
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in linear perspective, rendering details in a complex subject, and creating atmospheric perspective with value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the horizon line and the basic shapes of the ship, mountain, and clouds.
- step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest values to define the overall contrast.
- step 03
Begin adding details to the ship, focusing on the rigging and hull.
- step 04
Develop the atmospheric perspective by gradually lightening the values of the mountain and clouds as they recede into the distance.
- step 05
Add texture to the water with short, horizontal strokes.
- step 06
Refine the details of the ship, including the flags and any visible figures.
- step 07
Adjust the values and contrast to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · payne's gray · raw umber
Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white in different ratios. Use a touch of raw umber to warm the grays for the ship and water.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the ship wrong.
- →Making the rigging too uniform and lacking depth.
- →Failing to create a convincing sense of atmosphere.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 0, 2, 4)
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette
optional
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a smooth canvas to allow for fine detail work. Consider toning the canvas with a light gray wash before starting.
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