plate no. 4937
The Reef, St Ives Bay, Cornwall
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the movement of water. It also provides practice in creating a moody, nocturnal scene using a limited color palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the major elements (coastline, moon, wave groups).
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of a neutral color like raw umber or burnt umber.
- step 03
Block in the sky and clouds, paying attention to the subtle variations in tone and color around the moon.
- step 04
Begin to define the shapes of the waves, using darker blues and greens for the shadows and lighter blues and whites for the highlights.
- step 05
Add details to the waves, focusing on the foam and spray. Use broken brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Refine the coastline, adding details to the rocks and vegetation.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details, such as the glint of moonlight on the water.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · raw umber
secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre · ivory black
Mix various shades of blue and gray by combining ultramarine blue, payne's gray, and titanium white. Use raw umber to create muted tones and shadows. Add a touch of yellow ochre to warm up the highlights.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·broken brushstrokes
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·value layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the waves, resulting in a stiff and unnatural appearance.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Using too much bright white, which can make the painting look flat.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the sky and clouds.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints (ultramarine blue, titanium white, raw umber, payne's gray, yellow ochre, ivory black)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of raw umber before starting to paint.
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