plate no. 7718
Swimmer
Alex Colville, 1962
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in subtle color mixing and creating the illusion of depth through value changes. Students can learn to depict the movement of water with careful brushstrokes and attention to detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the horizon line and the general placement of the swimmer and waves.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light gray, blending smoothly.
- step 03
Establish the base color of the ocean, a dark green-gray, and gradually add lighter tones to create the wave patterns.
- step 04
Paint the swimmer's figure, paying attention to the subtle skin tones and highlights.
- step 05
Add the white caps of the waves, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the details of the waves, adding darker shadows and lighter highlights to create depth.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to achieve a harmonious balance.
- step 08
Add final details, such as subtle reflections on the water's surface.
color palette
primary · gray · dark green · white
secondary · light gray · skin tones · dark blue
Mix the ocean color by combining dark green, gray, and a touch of blue. Achieve lighter tones by gradually adding white. Skin tones can be created with a mix of white, red, yellow, and a touch of brown.
techniques
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·color blending
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the wave details, resulting in a cluttered appearance.
- →Failing to create sufficient value contrast, making the painting appear flat.
- →Using too much white, which can make the colors look chalky.
- →Incorrectly proportioning the swimmer's figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Oil paints (gray, dark green, white, red, yellow, brown, blue)
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
- ·Palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to thin the paints and improve flow.
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