plate no. 9661
Au pays de la mer. Douleur
Charles Cottet, 1909
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in various poses and using a limited palette to create a somber mood. Students will also learn to create depth through atmospheric perspective and value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and boats.
- step 02
Establish the dark background and sky with broad strokes of dark gray and brown.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the buildings and boats using muted colors.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the figures, focusing on their poses and expressions.
- step 05
Develop the drapery and clothing with careful attention to folds and shadows.
- step 06
Refine the details of the faces, capturing the emotions of the scene.
- step 07
Add highlights to the figures and boats to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and somber effect.
color palette
primary · raw umber · ivory black · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix raw umber and ivory black for the dark tones. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre to create the warm hues of the boats and buildings. Add titanium white to create lighter values and muted tones.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Ignoring the importance of accurate figure drawing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·retouch varnish
Use a high-quality canvas and artist-grade oil paints for best results. Consider using a medium to improve the flow and blending of the paints.
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