plate no. 5952
Santander from Somo´s beach
Rubén de Luis, 2021
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in atmospheric perspective and creating the illusion of depth through color and brushwork. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into manageable shapes and values.
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, dividing the canvas into sky, land, and water.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, adding hints of gray and white for the clouds.
- step 03
Establish the horizon line and the distant landmass with muted greens and browns.
- step 04
Paint the wet sand with a base of ochre and raw sienna, then add reflections of the sky using light blue and white.
- step 05
Create the cloud formations with thick, short brushstrokes of white, gray, and touches of blue.
- step 06
Add details to the distant town using small strokes of white and gray to suggest buildings.
- step 07
Refine the water area with horizontal strokes of blue, green, and white to suggest ripples and reflections.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to the clouds and sand to enhance the sense of light and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · yellow ochre · raw sienna
secondary · burnt umber · payne's gray · sap green
Mix light blues by combining cerulean blue and titanium white. Create muted greens by mixing yellow ochre, sap green, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the sandy tones by blending yellow ochre, raw sienna, and a small amount of burnt umber.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the clouds, resulting in a flat, unrealistic appearance.
- →Creating too much contrast in the sand, making it appear harsh and unnatural.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the sky and water.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and distance.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints
- ·#6 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better paint adhesion. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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