plate no. 6514
Biarritz Promenade
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, and in simplifying complex forms into impressionistic shapes. Students will learn to capture the essence of a scene rather than focusing on precise details.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, castle, and figures.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, sea, foliage, and castle using thin washes.
- step 03
Layer in darker values to define the forms of the trees and the shadows on the castle and cliff.
- step 04
Add highlights to the water and foliage to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
- step 05
Refine the shapes of the figures and add subtle details to the castle windows and stonework.
- step 06
Use broken brushstrokes to create texture in the foliage and rocks.
- step 07
Blend edges where needed to soften the overall effect.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · cadmium orange · alizarin crimson · sap green
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow ochre, and create variations in the browns by adding touches of red or blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Using too much detail in the background, which can flatten the image.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber before starting.
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