plate no. 5323
Sandpipers, Alnmouth
Winifred Nicholson, 1933
suitable for beginners
This painting is great for practicing simplified shapes and color mixing to create a cohesive landscape. Students can learn to represent depth and form with minimal detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the landscape: horizon line, landmass, water, and bird shapes.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray wash.
- step 03
Apply a base layer of tan/yellow to the sand areas.
- step 04
Paint the water with a light blue, varying the tone slightly to suggest depth.
- step 05
Add darker brown tones to the landmass in the background.
- step 06
Paint the bird shapes with a mix of tan and gray, using simple brushstrokes.
- step 07
Add details to the birds, such as the darker markings.
- step 08
Refine the edges and add subtle highlights to create form.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna
Mix white with small amounts of blue and umber for the sky. Vary the yellow ochre with umber and white for the sand. Use blue and umber for the water and bird details.
techniques
- ·flat washes
- ·dry brushing
- ·simplified shapes
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details.
- →Using too many colors.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Not simplifying the shapes enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·#4 round brush
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
optional
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Acrylics will dry faster, making it easier to layer. Oil paints will allow for more blending.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
