plate no. 5870

Seashore, Nova Scotia

J. E. H. MacDonald, 1923

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)landscapeseascapebeachrockscloudsskywaves

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice color mixing to achieve the subtle variations in the sky and sand, and learn how to create texture with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, dividing the canvas into sky, sea, and land.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: blue for the sky, darker blue for the sea, and pinkish-tan for the sand.
step 03
Add the distant mountains with a dark blue-gray mix.
step 04
Paint the clouds, using white mixed with small amounts of blue and pink to create soft shadows.
step 05
Define the waves with white and light blue, adding highlights to suggest movement.
step 06
Paint the rocks in the foreground using a mix of browns, reds, and yellows, varying the colors to create interest.
step 07
Add details to the sand, such as shadows and variations in color.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting colors and values as needed.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · raw umber

Mix white with small amounts of blue and red for the sky and clouds. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the sand, adding white to lighten and red to warm. Mix blues and browns for the distant mountains.

techniques