plate no. 4614
The ferry
Julian Ashton, 1893
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating depth through value and texture, and in simplifying complex scenes into essential shapes and lines. It also provides practice in rendering reflections and creating a sense of atmosphere.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the main elements (trees, boat, water).
- step 02
Establish the darkest values first, concentrating on the trees and the reflections in the water.
- step 03
Gradually build up the mid-tones, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 04
Add the lighter values to suggest highlights and reflections.
- step 05
Refine the details of the boat and figures, keeping them simple and suggestive.
- step 06
Pay attention to the vertical strokes in the water to create the illusion of reeds and reflections.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend areas to create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · yellow ochre
Achieve the various shades of brown by mixing raw umber with white, and adding small amounts of burnt umber or yellow ochre for warmth.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·value studies
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic effect.
- →Creating too much contrast, which can flatten the image.
- →Ignoring the reflections in the water and making them too literal.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough, resulting in a monotonous texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
A toned canvas (light brown or gray) can be helpful for establishing the initial values.
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