plate no. 6975
The Night of the Water Searcher
Stefan Caltia, 2005
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice layering techniques and subtle color mixing to create a surreal atmosphere. Students will also learn to depict figures in a stylized manner.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the figure, moon, island, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the black background, the figure's clothing, and the water.
- step 03
Begin adding details to the figure, focusing on the face, hands, and clothing patterns.
- step 04
Paint the moon, blending the light and dark areas to create a crescent shape.
- step 05
Add details to the island and the small landscape on the tray.
- step 06
Refine the water, adding subtle highlights and reflections.
- step 07
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting.
- step 08
Varnish the painting when dry.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · cerulean blue · sap green · burnt umber
Mix ivory black and titanium white to create various shades of gray for the moon and figure. Use yellow ochre and titanium white for the figure's clothing. Mix cerulean blue and titanium white for the water and the object on the tray. Use sap green and burnt umber for the island.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall atmospheric effect.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to establish a strong value contrast.
- →Inaccurate proportions of the figure.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brush (size 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder medium
Use high-quality paints for best results. A smooth canvas surface will make blending easier.
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