plate no. 0318

Two Girls by a Jetty

Laura Knight, 1922

oilImpressionismgenre paintingfiguresjettywaterboatwallsky

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in capturing figures in a relaxed pose and creating depth using atmospheric perspective. Students can also develop their skills in rendering textures like stone and fabric with visible brushstrokes.

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 and the main elements of the background.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the water, the wall, the sky, and the clothing of the figures.
step 03
Begin refining the shapes of the figures, paying attention to proportions and anatomy.
step 04
Add details to the wall, suggesting the texture of the stone with varied brushstrokes.
step 05
Develop the water, using different shades of green and hints of reflected light.
step 06
Refine the clothing of the figures, adding highlights and shadows to create volume.
step 07
Add details to the faces and hair of the figures.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the values and colors are balanced.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · viridian green · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre or white. Achieve skin tones by blending cadmium red, yellow ochre, and white, with touches of burnt umber for shadows.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·alla prima
·figure drawing
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, resulting in a stiff and unnatural look.
→Failing to capture the correct proportions of the figures.
→Using colors that are too saturated, making the painting appear garish.
→Ignoring the effects of light and shadow, resulting in a flat and lifeless image.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 12x16
·Oil paints (yellow ochre, cadmium red, viridian green, titanium white, burnt umber, ultramarine blue)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags