plate no. 2019
WADI IN SAKHIR
Rashid Al Khalifa, 1995
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in creating atmospheric perspective and rendering subtle color variations in a seemingly monochromatic landscape. Students will develop skills in layering and blending to achieve a sense of depth and realism.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the wadi and the horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a gradient of yellows, oranges, and grays.
- step 03
Block in the general tones of the landscape using a mix of browns, purples, and grays.
- step 04
Begin layering in details, focusing on the texture of the sand and the form of the shrubs.
- step 05
Add highlights to the water in the wadi to create a sense of reflection.
- step 06
Refine the details of the distant buildings, keeping them soft and muted.
- step 07
Adjust the overall values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details, such as small highlights on the shrubs and subtle variations in the sand.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · purple
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with white and small amounts of blue or purple. Use yellow ochre to create the warm tones in the sky and sand.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, which can flatten the image.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, which can detract from the overall mood.
- →Ignoring the subtle variations in color and value within the landscape.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas to create a slightly textured surface. Thin the oil paints with linseed oil to create a smooth, blendable consistency.
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