plate no. 9731
Coastal View from France
Lili Elbe, 1918
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create texture and depth, and in capturing the effects of light on different surfaces. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into expressive brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of major elements like the flower bushes and trees.
- step 02
Block in the sky and sea with thin washes of color, establishing the overall color temperature.
- step 03
Establish the sand dunes with broad strokes, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns.
- step 04
Begin layering colors on the flower bushes, using short, broken strokes to create texture and volume.
- step 05
Add details to the trees and foliage in the background, using darker greens and browns.
- step 06
Refine the details on the sand, adding subtle variations in color and texture.
- step 07
Add small details like the sailboats and figures on the beach.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · titanium white
secondary · sap green · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve the sandy tones by mixing burnt sienna with white and a touch of yellow ochre. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source and shadow pattern.
- →Making the flower bushes too uniform and lacking in texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints (yellow ochre, cerulean blue, titanium white, sap green, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushstrokes. Pre-tinting the canvas with a thin wash of burnt sienna can create a warm undertone.
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