plate no. 1981
Shelling by night
Eric Ravilious, 1941
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and linear perspective, as well as understanding how to create a limited color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the landscape, including the cliffs, buildings, and coastline.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the vanishing point for the perspective.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and water, then moving to the land.
- step 04
Gradually build up the details of the buildings and cliffs, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Add the details of the coastline and the structures in the water.
- step 06
Create the effect of the explosion in the sky with light washes and radiating lines.
- step 07
Refine the details and add any final touches.
- step 08
Allow to dry completely.
color palette
primary · gray · olive green · white
secondary · yellow ochre · dark green
Mix various shades of gray by combining white with small amounts of black and olive green. Achieve the olive green by mixing yellow ochre with a touch of black or dark green.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·linear perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
- ·washes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original.
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of perspective.
- →Using too much color and losing the muted tones of the painting.
- →Creating too much contrast, resulting in a less atmospheric feel.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb or stretched canvas
required
- ·watercolor paints or acrylic paints
- ·watercolor paper or canvas
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·pencil
- ·eraser
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·masking fluid
- ·ruler
Using a toned surface can help to establish the muted color palette of the painting.
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