plate no. 6453

Point Loma

Charles Reiffel, 1937

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapelandscapehillshouseswaterskytrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and using expressive brushstrokes to define forms. It's also a good exercise in simplifying complex scenes into manageable shapes and color blocks.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major landforms.
step 02
Block in the sky and water with broad strokes of color.
step 03
Establish the main color masses for the hills and fields, using a limited palette.
step 04
Add details to the houses and trees, paying attention to their shapes and placement.
step 05
Introduce highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 06
Refine the brushwork, using short, directional strokes to define the forms.
step 07
Add final details such as the smoke stacks and boats in the distance.
step 08
Review and adjust the colors and values to achieve a harmonious balance.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · viridian green · cadmium red

secondary · burnt sienna · titanium white · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and viridian green. Achieve variations in earth tones by mixing burnt sienna with ultramarine blue and white. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques