plate no. 9162
The Sun Sets, Perce Rock, Gaspe, Quebec
William Bradford, 1867
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in blending colors to create atmospheric perspective and understanding how light interacts with water and land.
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 rocks, horizon line, and beach.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a gradient of yellow and orange, blending smoothly.
- step 03
Paint the water with a base of blue, adding highlights to simulate reflections.
- step 04
Add the dark shapes of the rocks, paying attention to their silhouettes.
- step 05
Paint the beach with dark browns and blacks, adding texture for sand and debris.
- step 06
Refine the details of the rocks and beach, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 07
Blend the colors where needed to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
- step 08
Add final touches to the reflections on the water.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow · raw sienna
Mix yellow ochre and white for the sky, ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the dark rocks, and various shades of brown for the beach.
techniques
- ·color blending
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall atmospheric effect.
- →Using too much contrast and making the painting look harsh.
- →Not blending the colors smoothly enough, resulting in a choppy appearance.
- →Incorrectly portraying the reflections on the water.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (#2, #6)
- ·flat brush (#4)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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