plate no. 3314
Voyage to Labrador
Alfred Wallis, 1936
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture. It also encourages observation of subtle color variations within a limited palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the boat, icebergs, and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the dark background with a mix of black and brown.
- step 03
Apply the base color for the boat, a muted yellow-brown.
- step 04
Paint the icebergs with thick strokes of white, adding hints of blue and gray.
- step 05
Create the sea and beach area with horizontal strokes of beige, gray, and white, blending slightly.
- step 06
Add details to the boat, such as windows and masts, using dark brown and black.
- step 07
Refine the shapes and textures of the icebergs and sea with additional brushstrokes.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and form.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · ivory black
secondary · raw umber · ultramarine blue
Mix yellow ochre and raw umber for the boat's color. Create the iceberg's cool tones by adding a touch of ultramarine blue to titanium white. Use raw umber and ivory black for the dark background.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·impasto
- ·simplification of form
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the naive charm.
- →Creating overly smooth transitions between colors.
- →Not capturing the texture of the icebergs and sea.
- →Making the boat too symmetrical and realistic.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use thicker paint for the icebergs to create a textured effect. A palette knife can be helpful for applying the paint thickly.
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