plate no. 8127
La Ciotat
Johan Jongkind, 1880
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in watercolor washes, creating atmospheric perspective, and capturing the essence of a scene with loose brushwork. It also encourages simplification of details and focusing on overall tonal relationships.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main compositional elements: horizon line, landmasses, buildings, and boats.
- step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre and blue for the sky, allowing colors to blend.
- step 03
Establish the basic tones of the sea with varying shades of blue and grey.
- step 04
Paint the distant landmass and buildings with muted colors, focusing on their shapes rather than details.
- step 05
Add darker values to the foreground beach and boats, creating depth and contrast.
- step 06
Use dry brush techniques to suggest texture in the sand and waves.
- step 07
Add figures and other small details with a fine brush, keeping them simple and suggestive.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition and adjust values as needed to create a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
secondary · titanium white · payne's gray
Mix blues and yellows for the sky and sea, adding white to lighten the tones. Use burnt sienna and ochre for the land, and payne's gray for shadows.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·dry brush
- ·watercolor washes
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Making the distant objects too detailed and sharp.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paints
- ·watercolor brushes (round and flat)
- ·watercolor paper 140lb
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·pencil
- ·kneaded eraser
optional
- ·masking fluid
- ·palette knife
- ·gouache
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for better blending. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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