plate no. 3400

Le Phare

Christopher Wood, 1930

oilPost-Impressionismmarinaboatsseafishing netrocksskyplaying cards

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering paint to create depth and texture, and simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the boats, rocks, and fishing net.
step 02
Block in the sky and sea with broad strokes, using varying shades of gray and blue.
step 03
Add the dark masses of the rocks and land, paying attention to their shapes and edges.
step 04
Paint the boats, starting with the larger shapes and then adding details like sails and figures.
step 05
Develop the fishing net and other foreground elements, using a dry brush technique to create texture.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed.
step 08
Add the text and card details in the foreground.

color palette

primary · gray · brown · dark blue · white

secondary · red · yellow ochre · olive green

Mix grays by combining white, black, and a touch of blue or brown. Achieve the reddish-brown sail color by mixing burnt sienna with a touch of alizarin crimson.

techniques