plate no. 8522

The Aqueduct at Nogent sur Marne

Maurice de Vlaminck, 1911

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismlandscapebridgewaterbuildingsskylandscapetrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and form. It also provides practice in mixing and applying a limited color palette to achieve a cohesive and harmonious composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the bridge, water, and buildings, focusing on the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color with thin washes, starting with the sky and water.
step 03
Begin building up the bridge with thicker paint, using short, directional brushstrokes to define the form.
step 04
Add details to the buildings and trees, using a smaller brush and varying the color and value.
step 05
Refine the reflections in the water, paying attention to the direction of the brushstrokes.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · viridian green · titanium white · cadmium yellow

Mix yellow ochre and burnt umber for the bridge. Combine ultramarine blue and white for the sky and water. Use viridian green and yellow ochre for the foliage. Add white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques