plate no. 7838
A view of Zandvoort
some experience helpful
This painting is great for practicing layering and creating depth using color and value. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and colors.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light yellows and grays.
- step 03
Establish the main color blocks for the buildings using a limited palette.
- step 04
Add darker values to create shadows and define forms.
- step 05
Layer lighter colors on top to suggest highlights and details.
- step 06
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to add texture to the rooftops and walls.
- step 07
Refine the details of the windows and other architectural elements.
- step 08
Add final touches to the sky and ground to balance the composition.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red
Mix burnt umber and ultramarine blue for dark shadows. Use yellow ochre and white for the sky. Add small amounts of red to browns for warmer tones in the buildings.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early.
- →Creating mud by over-mixing colors.
- →Ignoring the perspective of the buildings.
- →Making the sky too bright or saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·#4 round brush
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for better paint adhesion. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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