plate no. 9497

In Bretagne

Constant Permeke, 1951

oilExpressionismcityscapeboatsfiguresharborbuildingswatercityscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to add texture and interest.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the boats and figures.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color using thinned washes of your primary color mix.
step 03
Gradually build up layers of paint, adding darker values to create depth and form.
step 04
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to define the details of the boats and buildings.
step 05
Mix subtle variations of your primary color to create highlights and shadows.
step 06
Add the blue accent color to the boat, keeping the tones muted.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to emphasize the focal points.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

Achieve the various shades of yellow and brown by mixing yellow ochre, raw umber, and white in different proportions. Use a small amount of burnt sienna to warm up the browns.

techniques