plate no. 2145

Landscape near Martigues

Andre Derain, 1908

oil, canvasCubismlandscapelandscapetreeshillsskypathbuildings

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and use a limited color palette effectively. Students can practice color mixing to achieve the earthy tones and explore expressive brushwork.

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 horizon line and major landforms.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of blue, allowing some canvas to show through.
step 03
Establish the main areas of color for the hills and fields using a warm underpainting.
step 04
Define the shapes of the trees with dark greens and blues, varying the brushstrokes.
step 05
Add the path using a lighter, warmer tone, creating a sense of depth.
step 06
Introduce secondary colors and highlights to create form and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details and edges, paying attention to the overall harmony of the colors.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · sap green

secondary · cadmium red · titanium white

Mix burnt sienna and ultramarine blue for dark greens and browns. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for warm earth tones. Add small amounts of cadmium red to warm up the browns and greens.

techniques

·blocking in
·color mixing
·expressive brushwork
·simplification
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplified forms.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
→Ignoring the overall color harmony.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·oil paints (burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, sap green, cadmium red, titanium white)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (flat and round)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags