plate no. 0085
The Hunter’s Moon
Winifred Nicholson, 1955
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and forms. It also provides practice in capturing the subtle glow of light.
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, including the table, window frame, landscape, and moon.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, distant hills, field, and table.
- step 03
Add the darker tones to define the shapes of the hills and trees.
- step 04
Paint the moon with a soft, diffused glow, blending the edges.
- step 05
Add details to the table, including the lamp, books, and flower pot.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the subtle shifts in tone.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to create depth and interest.
- step 08
Allow to dry and add a varnish.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · sap green
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow · violet
Mix blues and whites for the sky, yellows and greens for the field, and browns and oranges for the trees. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Making the moon too bright and overpowering.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified effect.
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