plate no. 8266

Alger, le Port

Maurice Boitel, 1947

oilImpressionismlandscapetreescityscapeharborwaterskybuildings

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and practicing expressive brushwork to create texture and form. It also provides an opportunity to explore color mixing for atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the major shapes: the horizon line, the trees, the buildings, and the water.
step 02
Establish the sky and water with broad, horizontal strokes, gradually lightening the sky towards the horizon.
step 03
Block in the larger shapes of the buildings and trees with simplified color masses.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, using small brushstrokes to suggest windows and architectural features.
step 05
Develop the foliage of the trees with broken brushstrokes, varying the greens and adding touches of darks for shadows.
step 06
Refine the details of the harbor, including the boats and docks, using smaller brushes.
step 07
Add highlights to the water and buildings to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · viridian green · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre or cerulean blue. Create variations in the sky and water by adding white or small amounts of other colors to the base cerulean blue.

techniques

·broken color
·dry brush
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the impressionistic style.
→Failing to simplify the complex shapes of the buildings and trees.
→Using too much detail in the background, which can flatten the perspective.
→Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture and visual interest.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes size 2, 4, 6
·flat brushes size 6, 8
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil or acrylic medium
·mineral spirits or water for cleaning

optional

·easel
·painting medium
·varnish

Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for texture. Oil paints will provide richer colors and blending, but acrylics are faster drying and easier to clean.

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