plate no. 1461
Yarmouth Beach
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating a cohesive color harmony using a limited palette. It also provides practice in depicting figures and objects in a landscape setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main compositional elements: horizon line, placement of figures, boats, and pier.
- step 02
Establish the basic sky color with a thin wash of diluted paint.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes of the clouds, paying attention to their values and edges.
- step 04
Paint the sea and beach with broad strokes, establishing the overall tonal range.
- step 05
Add details to the figures and boats, focusing on their silhouettes and relative sizes.
- step 06
Refine the details of the pier and buildings in the background, using atmospheric perspective to create depth.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension.
- step 08
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with small amounts of blue and sienna. Use white to lighten values and create subtle gradations.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, losing the overall atmospheric effect.
- →Creating too much contrast, making the painting appear harsh.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the sky and sea.
- →Not establishing a clear focal point.
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
- ·linseed oil
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for easier blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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