plate no. 5833

Seascape with poplars

Max Beckmann, 1924

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapetreeswaterfiguresreedssky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering techniques and simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides an opportunity to explore color mixing to achieve the muted tones and subtle variations in the landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, water, and figures.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, using broad strokes.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the trees, using a mix of dark greens and browns.
step 04
Paint the water, reflecting the colors of the sky and trees.
step 05
Add the reeds in the foreground, using vertical strokes of green and yellow.
step 06
Paint the figures and the cart, simplifying their forms.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees and reeds, adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust the colors as needed.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Burnt umber · Titanium white

secondary · Sap green · Cadmium yellow light · Ivory black

Mix greens by combining Prussian blue and yellow ochre. Use white to lighten colors and burnt umber to darken them. Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors.

techniques