plate no. 0556

Landscape at Cadaques

Andre Derain, 1913

oil, canvasCubismlandscapebuildingslandscapetownseaskyhill

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into geometric shapes and use color to define planes and create depth. 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 basic shapes of the buildings, hills, and sea, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of light beige or cream color.
step 03
Begin painting the larger shapes of the buildings with a mix of browns, grays, and ochre, using flat, slightly textured brushstrokes.
step 04
Add shadows to the buildings using darker shades of brown and gray, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 05
Paint the hillside with a mix of beige, green, and brown, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Add the sea and sky, blending the colors slightly to create a sense of distance.
step 07
Refine the details of the buildings and hillside, adding small touches of color and texture to create interest.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to emphasize the forms.

color palette

primary · ochre · raw umber · titanium white · Prussian blue

secondary · sap green · burnt sienna

Mix browns and grays by combining raw umber, Prussian blue, and white. Use ochre and white for highlights. Add small amounts of green to the hillside for vegetation.

techniques