plate no. 2737

Two Figures, Driftwood at Truman Beach

Aaron Shikler, 2005

oilNew Realismgenre paintingfiguresbeachoceanskycloudsrock

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing atmospheric perspective and rendering figures in a naturalistic setting. It also provides practice in mixing subtle color variations to depict light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, horizon line, and rock.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, ocean, beach, and the main shapes of the figures and rock.
step 03
Establish the darkest values in the sky and the shadows on the rock and figures.
step 04
Begin refining the shapes of the figures, paying attention to the folds in the clothing and the contours of the faces.
step 05
Add details to the ocean, including the waves and the reflections of light.
step 06
Develop the texture of the rock using a variety of brushstrokes and values.
step 07
Refine the highlights on the figures and the rock to create a sense of depth and form.
step 08
Add final details, such as the pink clouds in the sky and the subtle variations in color on the beach.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red light · raw sienna

Achieve the dark sky by mixing ultramarine blue and burnt umber. The beach is a mix of yellow ochre, raw sienna, and white. The pink clouds are a mix of cadmium red light and white.

techniques