plate no. 0649
Sunglare, Alaska
Rockwell Kent, 1919
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. Students can also learn about color temperature and how it affects the mood of a landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains, water, and figures, paying attention to proportions.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a gradient of yellow and green, blending smoothly.
- step 03
Establish the base colors for the mountains, using a muted blue-gray.
- step 04
Add darker values to the mountains to create shadows and define the rock formations.
- step 05
Paint the water with horizontal strokes, varying the shades of blue and green.
- step 06
Add the reflection of the sun on the water with light yellow and white.
- step 07
Paint the figures and boat with simplified shapes and colors.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to the snow and water.
color palette
primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Titanium white
secondary · Viridian green · Burnt umber
Mix blues and yellows with white to create the various shades of the mountains and sky. Use burnt umber to darken the blues for shadows.
techniques
- ·Color blending
- ·Layering
- ·Simplified forms
- ·Atmospheric perspective
- ·Value control
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the colors and losing the subtle gradients.
- →Making the mountain details too complex.
- →Ignoring the effect of light on the water.
- →Not simplifying the figures enough.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 12x16
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
- ·Reference photo print
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the luminosity of the colors.
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