plate no. 9362
Storm by the coast
Rudolf Jordan, 1886
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in painting figures in dynamic poses, capturing the movement of water, and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering realistic textures like wood and fabric.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, boat, and buildings.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or raw sienna.
- step 03
Block in the main color masses for the sky, water, and land.
- step 04
Begin refining the figures, paying attention to their anatomy and clothing.
- step 05
Develop the details of the boat and buildings, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Create the impression of moving water with dynamic brushstrokes and varying values.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to the figures and objects in the foreground.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create depth.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · viridian
Mix various shades of gray and brown for the sky, water, and buildings. Use ultramarine blue and white for cooler tones in the sky and water. Add yellow ochre and burnt sienna for warmer tones in the figures and buildings.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Creating flat, lifeless colors.
- →Inaccurately rendering the anatomy of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 filbert brush
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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