plate no. 9147
The Point Wharf, Mosman Bay
Arthur Streeton, 1893
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand color mixing for water reflections and how to create depth using atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing light and shadow with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the landmass and boats.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, water, and land, using thin washes.
- step 03
Establish the light source and begin to define the shadows and highlights on the land and water.
- step 04
Mix and apply colors for the water reflections, paying attention to the distortions and color variations.
- step 05
Add details to the buildings and boats, using smaller brushes.
- step 06
Refine the brushwork, adding texture and interest to the surface of the painting.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to adjust the values and hues.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt sienna
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · viridian green
Achieve the water colors by mixing ultramarine blue with white and small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt sienna. Use alizarin crimson and white for the sky.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Failing to capture the subtle color variations in the water.
- →Making the reflections too literal and not distorted enough.
- →Ignoring the atmospheric perspective and not creating enough depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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