plate no. 0085
The Beach at Walberswick
Philip Wilson Steer, 1889
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the mood of a scene with soft, blended brushstrokes. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the figures.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, sea, sand, and figures, using thin washes.
- step 03
Establish the values, paying attention to the light and shadow on the sand and figures.
- step 04
Add details to the figures, such as clothing and hair, using small, broken brushstrokes.
- step 05
Paint the boats and distant figures, using lighter values to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 06
Refine the edges and blend the colors to create a soft, hazy effect.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Review and adjust the painting as needed, paying attention to the overall mood and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · ivory black
Mix blues and whites for the sky and sea, adding small amounts of burnt sienna for the horizon. Use burnt sienna and white for the sand, varying the proportions to create different tones. Mix black and burnt sienna for the figures' dark clothing.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Creating harsh lines
- →Ignoring atmospheric perspective
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing
- →Not establishing a clear value structure
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes size 2 and 6
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Thin the oil paints with linseed oil for smoother blending.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
