plate no. 7834

Smart River (Alaska)

A.Y. Jackson, 1945

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)landscapemountainstreeswatericelandscapesky

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive landscape. It also helps develop skills in layering colors and creating depth through value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes: mountains, shoreline, ice floes, and tree silhouettes.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light yellow-orange wash.
step 03
Paint the mountain range with a flat blue tone.
step 04
Add the dark tree line behind the mountains.
step 05
Fill in the water with a base of yellow-green, varying the tones.
step 06
Paint the ice floes with white and gray tones, adding shadows.
step 07
Add the dark tree silhouettes in the foreground.
step 08
Refine details and add highlights to the water and ice.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · sap green · gray

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create various shades of gray by mixing burnt umber and titanium white. Use white to lighten the blues and yellows for highlights.

techniques

·flat color application
·layering
·color mixing
·silhouette painting
·simplified shapes

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the shapes.
→Using too many colors.
→Not establishing a clear value structure.
→Making the water appear flat.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 12x16
·#4 round brush
·#8 flat brush
·acrylic paints
·palette
·water container

optional

·palette knife
·easel
·retarder medium

Acrylic paints are recommended for their quick drying time and ease of use. Consider using a retarder medium to extend the drying time for easier blending.

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