plate no. 1721

Le Havre

Albert Marquet, 1911

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapecityscapewaterbuildingsboatsskyfigures

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice simplifying complex scenes and capturing light and atmosphere with loose brushstrokes. Students can learn to create depth using color and value changes.

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 perspective lines of the buildings, water, and dock.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, water, buildings, and dock, using thin washes.
step 03
Establish the darkest and lightest values to create a sense of depth and form.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, boats, and figures, using thicker paint and more defined brushstrokes.
step 05
Mix subtle color variations to represent the light reflecting on the water and buildings.
step 06
Refine the edges and shapes of the objects, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of realism.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

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

secondary · white · black · red

Mix the water color by blending sky blue, white, and a touch of yellow ochre. Achieve the dock color by mixing grey with burnt sienna and a little white.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·alla prima
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Ignoring the overall composition
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing
→Failing to establish a strong value structure

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·rags
·viewfinder

Use a medium-sized canvas (e.g., 16x20 inches) to allow for sufficient detail without being overwhelming. Acrylics are faster drying, while oils allow for more blending.

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