plate no. 8677
The Posts
Leon Spilliaert, 1910
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and understanding how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and patterns.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the figure, posts, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, blending the colors.
- step 03
Paint the sea with varying shades of blue and white, creating wavy patterns.
- step 04
Add the horizontal white lines in the sky and sea.
- step 05
Paint the posts and figure with dark green, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figure and posts, paying attention to their shapes.
- step 07
Add final touches and highlights to the sea and sky.
- step 08
Let dry and varnish (optional).
color palette
primary · Prussian Blue · Titanium White · Dark Green
secondary · Payne's Grey · Yellow Ochre
Mix blue and white for the sky and sea. Use varying ratios to create different shades. Mix dark green with Payne's Grey for the posts and figure. Add a touch of yellow ochre to the green for highlights.
techniques
- ·Layering
- ·Blending
- ·Scumbling
- ·Dry Brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the sea.
- →Making the figure too detailed.
- →Not creating enough contrast in the posts.
- →Using too much paint and losing the texture.
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (various sizes)
- ·Flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits (if using oils)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oils)
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Retarder medium
A smooth canvas surface will help with blending. Consider using a toned canvas for a head start on the color scheme.
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