plate no. 3465

Le Conquet

Paul Signac, 1929

oilPost-Impressionismmarinaboatswaterbuildingsskyharborlandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing reflections in water and simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It also encourages loose, expressive brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: buildings, boats, and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with a diluted grey wash, leaving some areas lighter for clouds.
step 03
Establish the basic colors of the buildings and landmass, using thin washes.
step 04
Paint the water with horizontal strokes, varying the colors to suggest reflections.
step 05
Add the boats, paying attention to their shapes and reflections.
step 06
Use darker values to define the shadows and details of the buildings and boats.
step 07
Add the details with a fine brush or pen, such as the masts and rigging.
step 08
Refine the reflections in the water, adding small details and variations.

color palette

primary · grey · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

secondary · red · green · white

Mix greys by combining ultramarine blue and burnt sienna with white. Achieve variations in the water by adding small amounts of other colors to the grey.

techniques