plate no. 3849
Seascape. Sunset
John Duncan, 1908
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in blending subtle color variations to depict water and sky, and capturing the movement of waves with expressive brushstrokes. Students will also learn to create atmospheric perspective by softening details in the distance.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition: horizon line, island shape, and wave placement.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and pinks, blending softly.
- step 03
Establish the base color of the sea with a mix of blues and greens.
- step 04
Add darker values to the sea to create depth and wave patterns.
- step 05
Paint the breaking waves with white and light blue, using short, choppy strokes.
- step 06
Define the island with dark browns and purples, softening the edges.
- step 07
Add highlights to the waves and beach to suggest light reflecting off the water.
- step 08
Refine details and adjust values as needed to create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt umber · alizarin crimson · sap green
Mix blues and greens for the sea, adding white for highlights. Use yellow ochre and alizarin crimson for the sunset glow. Create grays by mixing complementary colors.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Making the wave crests too uniform and static.
- →Using too much detail in the distant island.
- →Creating harsh lines instead of soft transitions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the luminosity of the colors.
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