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Cadiz by Walter Gramatté

plate no. 2936

Cadiz

Walter Gramatté

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsarchitectureseaskywaves
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. It also provides practice in capturing the essence of a scene with bold brushstrokes and minimal detail.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, sea, and sky, focusing on proportions and composition.

  2. step 02

    Block in the sky with a light blue wash, allowing for variations in tone.

  3. step 03

    Establish the main color blocks for the buildings, using simplified shapes and colors.

  4. step 04

    Paint the sea with horizontal strokes, varying the blues and grays to suggest depth and movement.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features, using a small brush.

  6. step 06

    Define the waves with white and light blue highlights, using short, expressive strokes.

  7. step 07

    Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed.

  8. step 08

    Add final touches and highlights to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber

Mix various shades of blue by adding white to ultramarine. Create the building colors by mixing burnt sienna with white and small amounts of yellow ochre or raw umber.

techniques

  • ·blocking in
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·color mixing
  • ·simplification of forms
  • ·expressive brushwork

common pitfalls

  • →overcomplicating the details
  • →using too many colors
  • →not simplifying the forms enough
  • →creating muddy colors by overmixing

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·burnt sienna oil paint
  • ·#8 flat brush
  • ·#4 round brush
  • ·palette
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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