plate no. 1537

Long Beach

Edward Henry Potthast, 1921

oilImpressionismgenre paintingbeachfiguresumbrellassandoceansky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow with broken color and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. It also offers practice in simplifying complex scenes into impressionistic forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main compositional elements: horizon line, placement of figures and umbrellas.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, ocean, sand, and the main shapes of the umbrellas.
step 03
Establish the basic values and color temperatures of the sand, paying attention to the shadows.
step 04
Add the figures, focusing on capturing their general shapes and colors rather than precise details.
step 05
Develop the umbrellas, using broken color to suggest texture and light.
step 06
Refine the details of the figures and umbrellas, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Add final touches to the sand, suggesting texture and variations in color.
step 08
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and values.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium yellow · cadmium red · viridian green · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of sand by combining white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the sky and ocean colors by mixing white with ultramarine blue and a hint of other colors for variation.

techniques