plate no. 5189
Le lavoir
Camille Bombois, 1932
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive image. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow to define forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the composition: the trees, the building, the water, and the figures.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the perspective of the building.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, the foliage, the building's roof and walls, and the water.
- step 04
Add the details of the trees, using small dabs of color to create the leaves.
- step 05
Paint the figures in the boat, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 06
Add the reflections in the water, using slightly darker and muted versions of the colors above.
- step 07
Refine the details of the building, including the roof tiles and the brickwork.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red
Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber for the foliage and building. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. A touch of blue can be added to the water to create depth.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details of the trees.
- →Getting the perspective of the building wrong.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not paying attention to the relative sizes and positions of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
A medium-grain canvas is recommended. Acrylic paints are easier to clean up, but oil paints offer richer colors and blending capabilities.
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