plate no. 0623

Ciotat

Georges Braque, 1907

oil, canvasFauvismlandscapelandscapesearocksskycoastline

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand color relationships and how to use expressive brushstrokes to define form. It's also a good exercise in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and colors.

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 rocks, sea, and sky.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, focusing on overall color harmony.
step 03
Add darker values to define the shadows and create depth.
step 04
Introduce secondary colors to add interest and variation.
step 05
Use thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes to emphasize the textures of the rocks and foliage.
step 06
Refine the shapes and edges, paying attention to the relationships between different elements.
step 07
Add small details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · cadmium orange · purple

Mix greens from blue and yellow, purples from red and blue. Use white to lighten values and create tints. Orange can be mixed from red and yellow. Colors are often applied in unmixed patches to create vibrancy.

techniques