plate no. 3451
Yellow Rock, Gloucester
John French Sloan, 1915
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in blocking in shapes with bold brushstrokes and understanding how light affects color on textured surfaces. It also provides practice in creating depth using color temperature and value.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the rocks and horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of blue and white, indicating the cloud formations.
- step 03
Establish the base colors for the rocks, using a mix of browns, purples, and yellows.
- step 04
Define the shadows and highlights on the rocks to create form and depth.
- step 05
Paint the ocean with varying shades of blue, reflecting the sky and surrounding rocks.
- step 06
Add details to the rocks, such as cracks and textures, using smaller brushstrokes.
- step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the sense of light and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · alizarin crimson · cadmium yellow light
Mix browns and purples by combining burnt umber, alizarin crimson, and ultramarine blue. Achieve the yellow rock color by mixing yellow ochre with cadmium yellow light and titanium white. Create variations in the sky by blending ultramarine blue and titanium white.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·impasto
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overblending colors, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Neglecting to establish a strong value structure.
- →Failing to capture the texture and form of the rocks.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the sky and ocean.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, alizarin crimson, cadmium yellow light)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use good quality oil paints for best results. A medium to speed drying time can be helpful.
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