plate no. 6434

La marée haute a Saint-Malô (High tide at St Malô)

Ethel Carrick, 1912

oilImpressionismgenre paintingbeachfiguresbuildingsseaumbrellasflags

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color temperature to create depth. It also provides practice in capturing figures in motion with minimal detail.

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 and composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings, sea, and figures.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, sea, buildings, and beach.
step 03
Establish the basic value structure, paying attention to the light and shadow on the buildings and figures.
step 04
Begin adding details to the buildings, such as the windows and architectural features.
step 05
Develop the figures, using simple shapes and colors to suggest their forms and clothing.
step 06
Add details to the beach, such as the umbrellas and flags.
step 07
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the overall harmony of the painting.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · viridian

Mix various shades of blue and white for the sea and sky. Use burnt sienna and white for the buildings, adding touches of yellow ochre for warmth. Mix pinks and purples for figures.

techniques