plate no. 0649
Sunglare, Alaska
Rockwell Kent, 1919
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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