plate no. 5515

Stac an Armin Evening

Norman Ackroyd, 2010

oilContemporary Realismlandscaperocksseaskycloudsbirdslandscape

some experience helpful

This painting is a great exercise in value control and creating atmospheric perspective. Students will learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use tonal variations to suggest depth and distance.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes of the rocks and horizon line, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the rocks with a dark wash, focusing on the shadowed sides.
step 03
Begin to build up the mid-tones on the rocks, using lighter washes and dry brushing techniques to create texture.
step 04
Work on the sky, blending the dark clouds into the lighter areas to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 05
Add the water, using horizontal strokes to suggest the movement of the waves.
step 06
Introduce highlights on the rocks and water to create contrast and visual interest.
step 07
Add the details like the birds.
step 08
Refine the values and edges to create a cohesive and realistic image.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · payne's gray · sepia

Mix different ratios of raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white to achieve the various shades of gray and brown. Use payne's gray and sepia to add subtle variations in tone.

techniques