plate no. 8902
The Shore
John Henry Twachtman, 1897
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing reflections in water. It also encourages loose brushwork and simplification of details.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the horizon line and placement of major elements.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light gray-blue, blending it smoothly.
- step 03
Establish the water with horizontal strokes, varying the values to suggest depth and reflections.
- step 04
Paint the distant buildings and boats with muted colors and soft edges.
- step 05
Add the darker tones of the foreground dock and boats, using thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes.
- step 06
Create reflections by mirroring the colors and shapes of the objects above, softening the edges.
- step 07
Add highlights to the water and objects to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · ivory black
Mix various shades of gray and blue for the sky and water. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre for the buildings and docks, adding white to lighten the tones.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Making the reflections too sharp and defined.
- →Using too much contrast in the distant elements.
- →Not establishing a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a fast-drying medium to speed up the drying time.
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