plate no. 7371

Laguna Shores

Guy Rose, 1916

oilImpressionismlandscapeoceanbeachtreesvegetationskycoastline

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as capturing the subtle variations of light and shadow in a landscape. It also provides practice in depicting natural forms with loose, expressive brushstrokes.

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, the curve of the coastline, and the placement of the main elements like the trees and bushes.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and the ocean, using thin washes of paint.
step 03
Add the base colors for the beach, the vegetation on the hillside, and the distant landmass.
step 04
Begin layering colors to create depth and texture in the vegetation, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Define the waves and the surf with white and light blue paint, paying attention to the direction of the light.
step 06
Add details to the trees, using a thin brush to create the branches and twigs.
step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, adjusting the highlights and shadows as needed.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · sap green · violet

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve the various blues of the ocean by adjusting the ratio of ultramarine blue to white, and adding small amounts of violet or green for variation. Use burnt sienna and white to create the warm tones of the sand and the tree trunks.

techniques