plate no. 0180

Skeena Crossing

A.Y. Jackson, 1926

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)landscapevillagetotem polesmountainsskyfiguresbuildings

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and using visible brushstrokes to add texture and movement. It also provides an opportunity to study simplified forms and atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the placement of the village, totem poles, and mountains.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, using horizontal brushstrokes.
step 03
Paint the mountains with darker blues, adding subtle variations in tone.
step 04
Establish the base colors for the village buildings and totem poles using browns and tans.
step 05
Add details to the buildings, such as the roof lines and wall textures.
step 06
Paint the totem poles, adding carved details with darker browns and blacks.
step 07
Add figures and other details to the foreground.
step 08
Refine the colors and values, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · sap green

Mix blues and whites for the sky and mountains. Combine burnt umber with yellow ochre and white for the buildings and totem poles. Use cadmium red sparingly for accents on figures.

techniques