plate no. 0474
Landscape of Carriéres
Andre Derain, 1909
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited palette to create harmony. It also introduces the concept of using visible brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest.
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 basic shapes of the buildings, trees, and ground, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of blue, leaving some areas unpainted to create texture.
- step 03
Establish the main color blocks for the buildings using a mix of browns, ochres, and whites.
- step 04
Paint the tree trunks with dark browns and blacks, using vertical strokes to suggest their form.
- step 05
Add the foliage and ground cover using greens and browns, varying the brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Refine the details of the buildings, adding windows and other architectural elements.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall composition.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · sap green · raw sienna
Mix browns and ochres with white to create various shades for the buildings. Use blue and white to create the sky, and mix greens and browns for the foliage.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·limited palette
- ·simplification of form
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details
- →Using too many colors
- →Ignoring the underlying shapes
- →Not varying the brushstrokes
- →Creating muddy colors
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (ultramarine blue, burnt umber, yellow ochre, titanium white, sap green, raw sienna)
- ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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