plate no. 4265

Le Port de Bordeaux

André Lhote, 1915

oilCubismmarinaboatsharborbuildingswaterskyfigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified forms and how to create a sense of depth using overlapping shapes and a limited color palette. It also encourages experimentation with abstracting a real-world scene.

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 composition, focusing on the placement of the boats and buildings.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color with diluted washes, starting with the sky and water.
step 03
Add the darker tones to define the shapes of the boats and buildings.
step 04
Introduce the yellow and ochre accents to create highlights and visual interest.
step 05
Refine the details of the boats and buildings, paying attention to the angles and lines.
step 06
Add the reflections in the water, using slightly darker and more muted tones.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a sense of depth and harmony.
step 08
Add the figure in the foreground as the final touch.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Raw umber · Titanium white

secondary · Yellow ochre · Payne's gray

Mix blues and umbers with white to create the various shades of gray and blue seen in the sky and water. Use yellow ochre sparingly to add warmth and highlights.

techniques

·Color blocking
·Simplified forms
·Limited palette
·Overlapping shapes
·Linear perspective

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
→Using too many colors.
→Not establishing a clear focal point.
→Ignoring the reflections in the water.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·Watercolor paper 140lb
·Watercolor paints (Prussian blue, Raw umber, Titanium white, Yellow ochre, Payne's gray)
·Round brushes (various sizes)
·Palette
·Water container
·Paper towels
·Pencil
·Eraser