plate no. 5582

Deauville, the Dock

oilImpressionismmarinaboatswaterskybuildingsharborfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing atmospheric perspective and rendering reflections in water using broken color techniques. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into essential shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and placement of major elements like boats and buildings.
step 02
Establish the sky with broad strokes of light blue, white, and gray, blending gently.
step 03
Block in the water with horizontal strokes, using a mix of blues, grays, and browns, leaving space for reflections.
step 04
Paint the distant boats and buildings with simplified shapes and muted colors, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
step 05
Add details to the foreground boats and buildings, using darker values and sharper edges.
step 06
Create reflections in the water by mirroring the colors and shapes of the objects above, using vertical strokes and broken color.
step 07
Add small figures and details to the boats and buildings to create a sense of scale and activity.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a harmonious and atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · payne's gray

Mix blues and white for the sky and water. Use raw umber and burnt sienna for the boats and buildings. Add small amounts of yellow ochre to warm up the colors.

techniques