plate no. 0491
Vel. Normandy
Alexey Bogolyubov, 1880
some experience helpful
This painting is a good exercise in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through color and value changes. Recreating it will help students understand how to simplify complex scenes and focus on capturing the overall mood.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the building, the shoreline, and the distant cliff.
- step 02
Block in the sky and sea with thin washes of color, establishing the overall light and atmosphere.
- step 03
Establish the basic colors of the building, paying attention to the light and shadow areas.
- step 04
Paint the shoreline and beach, using broken brushstrokes to suggest texture and detail.
- step 05
Add the figures, keeping them simple and suggestive.
- step 06
Refine the details of the building and shoreline, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 07
Add the smoke from the chimney, using soft, blended strokes.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
Mix blues and whites for the sky and sea; use raw umber and white for the building's lighter areas, and burnt sienna with raw umber for darker areas. Mix yellow ochre and white for the sand.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
- →Making the colors too saturated and unrealistic.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth.
- →Not simplifying the forms enough.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brush (size 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (if using oils)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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