plate no. 7024

The Green Wave, Vorhor

temperaSymbolismmarinarocksseawavesskycloudslandscape

some experience helpful

This painting helps students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through color and value changes. It also provides practice in rendering textures of rocks and water with expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the rocks and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the dark values of the rocks with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the general color of the sky and sea using diluted washes.
step 04
Begin layering the colors of the water, using horizontal strokes to suggest movement.
step 05
Add details to the rocks, building up texture with dry brush techniques.
step 06
Paint the foam of the waves, using light blues and whites with small, broken strokes.
step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, paying attention to the atmospheric perspective.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · titanium white · purple · raw sienna

Achieve the golden hues of the sea by mixing yellow ochre with burnt umber and a touch of white. Create the purplish tones in the sky by mixing ultramarine blue with a touch of red.

techniques

·dry brushing
·layering
·atmospheric perspective
·broken color
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the rocks, losing the overall sense of form.
→Making the colors too saturated, neglecting the atmospheric perspective.
→Failing to create a sense of depth in the water.
→Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·burnt umber oil paint
·yellow ochre oil paint
·ultramarine blue oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brushes (various sizes)
·linseed oil

optional

·palette knife
·retouch varnish
·painting medium

Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture. Tempera paint is listed as the original medium, but oil is more approachable for beginners.

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