plate no. 1811

Stiller Tag am Meer III

Lyonel Feininger, 1929

oilCubismmarinaboatsseaskygeometric shapessails

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand color mixing for atmospheric perspective and how to simplify complex scenes into geometric forms. It also provides practice in creating subtle value gradations within defined shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes and boat outlines, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: dark blues for the sky, yellows/oranges for the right side, and browns for the foreground.
step 03
Begin layering colors within each shape, creating subtle gradations and variations. Use a dry brush technique to add texture.
step 04
Mix and apply the colors for the sails, paying attention to the subtle shifts in value and hue.
step 05
Add the reflections in the water, using slightly darker and more saturated versions of the colors above.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes, softening some and sharpening others to create depth.
step 07
Add small details, such as the masts and rigging of the boats.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting. Make any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Cadmium red

secondary · Titanium white · Burnt umber · Ultramarine blue

Achieve the atmospheric blues by mixing Prussian blue with white and a touch of ultramarine. Create the yellows and oranges by mixing yellow ochre with cadmium red and white. Use burnt umber to darken and neutralize colors.

techniques