plate no. 7342

Biarritz Cliffs

oilImpressionismmarinacliffstreesseaskysailboatcoastal landscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex shapes into basic forms. It also provides practice in capturing the atmospheric perspective of a coastal scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the cliffs, tree, and horizon line using light pencil strokes.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, sea, cliffs, and foliage, using thinned paint.
step 03
Layer in darker values to define the shadows on the cliffs and tree.
step 04
Add highlights to the water and foliage to create a sense of light and form.
step 05
Refine the details of the tree branches and leaves, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the distant coastline and sailboat, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
step 07
Add final touches to the water, suggesting movement and reflections.
step 08
Review and adjust values and colors as needed to achieve a harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve the reddish-brown tones of the cliffs by mixing burnt sienna with cadmium red light and a touch of ultramarine blue. Lighten colors with titanium white.

techniques

·broken color
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
→Using too much detail in the background, which flattens the perspective.
→Failing to create enough contrast between light and shadow.
→Mixing muddy colors by over-blending.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·oil paints (cerulean blue, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, cadmium red light, titanium white)
·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·palette
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife