plate no. 3798

Praia da Gávea

Jose Pancetti, 1955

oilExpressionismlandscapebeachseaskyfiguressandhills

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It also provides practice in mixing subtle color variations for sand and water.

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 land, water, and sky, paying attention to the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, water, sand, and hills.
step 03
Establish the dark value of the water channel flowing through the beach.
step 04
Begin adding subtle variations in the sand color, using lighter and darker tones to create depth.
step 05
Add details to the hills, including the suggestion of vegetation and shadows.
step 06
Paint in the figures on the beach, simplifying their forms.
step 07
Add small details like the grass in the foreground and any debris on the beach.
step 08
Refine the edges and values to create a sense of atmosphere and distance.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · viridian green · cadmium red light

Mix the sand color by combining white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber. The water is a mix of ultramarine blue and white, with small amounts of green or umber to adjust the tone. The sky is mostly blue and white.

techniques