plate no. 1202

Port en Bessin, the Beach

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapebeachseacliffsbuildingsskyvegetation

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice broken color techniques and capturing the effect of light on different surfaces. Students can develop their skills in layering paint and creating texture with visible brushstrokes.

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 shapes.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, blending slightly.
step 03
Establish the main color masses for the cliffs, beach, and sea.
step 04
Begin layering colors on the cliffs to create depth and texture, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Add details to the buildings and other structures.
step 06
Work on the beach, varying the colors to suggest sand and shadows.
step 07
Paint the sea with horizontal strokes, reflecting the sky and adding highlights.
step 08
Refine details and adjust values to create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · viridian green · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Vary the intensity of colors by mixing in small amounts of complementary colors.

techniques