plate no. 0785

Chateau Gaillard at Andelys

Felix Vallotton, 1924

oil, canvasMagic Realismlandscapecastlelandscapehillstowerskyvegetation

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and form, and in simplifying complex shapes into basic geometric forms. It also provides practice in creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the castle, hills, and tower, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, starting with the sky and distant hills.
step 03
Layer darker tones to define the shadows on the castle and rocks.
step 04
Add highlights to the sunlit areas of the hills and tower.
step 05
Paint the details of the vegetation, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Refine the shapes and edges of the forms, paying attention to the transitions between light and shadow.
step 07
Add the details of the vineyard rows.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · sap green · raw sienna

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue.

techniques