plate no. 2430

Moonrise

Maxime Maufra, 1901

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismmarinarocksseaskymoonbeachcoastline

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for atmospheric perspective and layering brushstrokes to create texture and form. It's a good exercise in capturing the subtle light of a moonlit scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the rocks, coastline, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with a base layer of blues and purples, leaving space for the moon.
step 03
Establish the general colors of the rocks, using oranges, browns, and grays.
step 04
Paint the sea with horizontal strokes, reflecting the colors of the sky and rocks.
step 05
Add highlights to the rocks and water to suggest the moonlight.
step 06
Refine the details of the rocks, adding texture and shadows.
step 07
Blend the colors in the sky and water to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
step 08
Add final touches, such as small waves and reflections.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · alizarin crimson

Mix blues and purples for the sky, adding white for highlights. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the rocks, with white and gray for highlights and shadows. Mix blues, greens, and browns for the sea, reflecting the colors of the sky and rocks.

techniques