plate no. 7742
Summer Day, Brighton Beach
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and reflections in water and rendering figures with loose, expressive brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color: sky, water, sand, and figures, using thin washes.
- step 03
Start building up the layers of paint, adding more detail and texture to the water and sand.
- step 04
Define the figures with thicker brushstrokes, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Add highlights and reflections to the water to create a sense of depth and movement.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figures, such as clothing and hair.
- step 07
Add final touches and adjust the colors as needed.
- step 08
Let dry and varnish.
color palette
primary · titanium white · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · raw umber
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of blue and green for the water, using white to lighten the tones. Create skin tones by mixing white, yellow ochre, and a touch of red. Use raw umber to create shadows.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Using too much detail and making the painting look stiff.
- →Not capturing the light and reflections accurately.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting knife
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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