plate no. 3726

Paisaje desde el Cabo de San Antonio en Jávea

Rubén de Luis, 2016

canvas, oilImpressionismmarinacliffseaskygrasslandscapevegetation

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in capturing the subtle variations of light on different surfaces. Students will learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use brushstrokes to suggest detail.

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 cliff, sea, and sky, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in large areas of color with thin washes.
step 03
Begin building up layers of paint on the cliff face, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture and form.
step 04
Develop the sky and sea, blending colors to create a sense of atmosphere and distance.
step 05
Add details to the foreground, such as the grass and vegetation, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 06
Introduce highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the edges of the forms and blend colors as needed to create a cohesive composition.
step 08
Add final details like the tiny figure and small flowers.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix white with blue for the sky and sea, varying the proportions to create different shades. Combine yellow ochre and burnt umber for the cliff, adding white to lighten and blue to darken. Mix greens from blue and yellow, adding touches of red to neutralize.

techniques