plate no. 5388

A holiday at Mentone

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapebeachfigurespierseaskysand

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow with loose brushstrokes, and in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through color and value variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the pier, figures, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky, sea, and sand, using thin washes.
step 03
Add the pier structure, paying attention to the perspective and the shadows it casts.
step 04
Begin to define the figures, using simple shapes and colors to suggest their forms.
step 05
Develop the details of the figures and their clothing, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 06
Add details to the sand, suggesting texture and variations in color.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed to create a sense of harmony.
step 08
Add final touches, such as highlights on the water and details in the sky.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · raw umber · cadmium red light

Mix blues and whites for the sky and sea, adding touches of yellow ochre for warmth. Use burnt sienna and raw umber for the sand, and mix with white to create lighter tones. Mix red and white for the figures' clothing and hats.

techniques