plate no. 8637

The Cliffs

Thomas Hart Benton, 1921

oilRegionalismlandscapecliffsoceanwavesrockslandscapebeach

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding how light and shadow define volume. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve subtle tonal variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the cliffs, water, and horizon line, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, establishing the overall color scheme.
step 03
Begin layering darker values to define shadows and create depth within the cliff forms.
step 04
Gradually build up highlights on the cliffs, blending the edges to create smooth transitions.
step 05
Add details to the water, suggesting the movement of the waves with short, curved brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the shapes and edges of the rocks and cliffs, paying attention to the interplay of light and shadow.
step 07
Add the small figure in the water with simple strokes.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a sense of balance and harmony.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · viridian green · cadmium yellow

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Create shadows by adding burnt umber to the base colors. Use white to lighten colors for highlights.

techniques