plate no. 9744
Souvenir of Fiumicino
Edward Wadsworth, 1937
some experience helpful
This painting is great for learning about hard-edged painting, color blocking, and creating a surreal composition. Students can practice precise lines and smooth gradients.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and lines of the composition, paying attention to perspective.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, sand, and the main structure.
- step 03
Add the shadows and highlights to define the forms and create depth.
- step 04
Carefully paint the details of the compass, pulley, and other objects.
- step 05
Refine the edges and smooth out any rough areas.
- step 06
Add the small details like the sailboat in the background.
- step 07
Check for accuracy and make any necessary adjustments.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows.
color palette
primary · sky blue · tan · orange
secondary · white · dark blue · grey
Mix different shades of tan by adding burnt umber and white. Use white to lighten the blue for the sky gradient. Create the orange by mixing red and yellow.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·hard-edge painting
- ·smooth blending
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Inaccurate proportions
- →uneven color application
- →muddy colors
- →lack of contrast
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·water
- ·pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·ruler
- ·masking tape
Use good quality acrylic paints for best results. A smooth canvas surface will make it easier to achieve smooth color transitions.
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