plate no. 3807

On the Beach under Purple Sky

Istvan Farkas, 1934

oilExpressionismlandscapebeachskyfigurestreescloudsfurniture

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in capturing a scene with loose, expressive brushstrokes and simplified forms. Students can focus on color mixing to create atmospheric perspective and capture the mood of the scene.

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 horizon line and placement of key elements (trees, figures, furniture).
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes, blending browns, whites, and hints of blue.
step 03
Establish the sea with a base layer of dark blue, adding lighter blues and whites for highlights.
step 04
Paint the figures and furniture with simplified shapes and colors, using thicker paint for highlights.
step 05
Add the palm trees, using dark greens and browns for the trunks and lighter greens for the fronds.
step 06
Refine the foreground with variations of browns and tans, suggesting the texture of the sand or pavement.
step 07
Add details like the railing and any highlights on the figures or furniture.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall balance of colors and values.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green

Mix browns and whites for the sky, adding small amounts of blue for cooler tones. Create greens by mixing blue and yellow, adjusting the ratio for different shades of foliage. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques