plate no. 1316

By the Sea

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismlandscapeseacliffscloudsrocksbeachsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors with visible brushstrokes and understanding how light affects different surfaces. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line, cliff shape, and cloud placement.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, sea, cliff face, and foreground.
step 03
Start layering colors on the sky and sea, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 04
Develop the cliff face with varying shades of yellow and brown, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the foreground rocks and vegetation, using a variety of greens, browns, and purples.
step 06
Refine the clouds, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 07
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · sap green · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Browns can be achieved by mixing umber with yellows and reds.

techniques