plate no. 6121

Polperro II (Cornwall)

Oskar Kokoschka, 1939

oil, canvasExpressionismlandscapeharborboatscliffsbuildingsskywater

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and color mixing to create texture and atmosphere. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the cliffs, buildings, and harbor using light pencil lines.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color with thin washes, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Start adding thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to define the forms and create texture.
step 04
Mix a variety of greens, browns, and blues to represent the foliage and rocks.
step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to depict the water and reflections.
step 06
Add details to the buildings and boats, using a smaller brush.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust the colors as needed.

color palette

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

secondary · viridian green · cadmium red · ivory black

Achieve the greens by mixing ultramarine blue and yellow ochre. Create variations in the rocks by mixing burnt sienna with ultramarine blue and titanium white. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques