plate no. 1660

Cape Cod

oilImpressionismlandscapecliffoceanskylandscapewaves

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and form, and using visible brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the cliff, ocean, and sky, paying attention to their proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of light blue, blending it smoothly.
step 03
Establish the base color of the ocean with a medium blue, varying the tone slightly to suggest depth.
step 04
Apply a base layer of ochre and yellow to the cliff, following the form and direction of light.
step 05
Add darker values to the shadows of the cliff using burnt umber and blue, blending edges softly.
step 06
Introduce highlights to the cliff with lighter shades of yellow and white, using visible brushstrokes.
step 07
Paint the small rock formation at the base of the cliff with dark reds and browns.
step 08
Add white paint to represent the waves crashing against the rocks, using short, choppy strokes.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow

Mix different shades of blue for the ocean and sky by adding white or a touch of yellow. Create the cliff color by mixing yellow ochre with white, and adding small amounts of burnt umber and blue for shadows.

techniques