plate no. 9197
The Bank of the Seine
Georges Seurat, 1884
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand impressionistic color mixing and how to create depth using color temperature and brushstroke direction. It will also teach how to simplify figures and objects into basic shapes and colors.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the shoreline, the group of figures, the distant trees, and the boat.
- step 02
Block in the sky and water with broad strokes, focusing on the overall color and value.
- step 03
Establish the green area of the shoreline, varying the greens with yellows and browns.
- step 04
Begin adding the figures, using simplified shapes and colors to suggest their forms.
- step 05
Develop the water by layering short, broken strokes of blues, greens, yellows, and browns to create a sense of movement and reflection.
- step 06
Add details to the trees in the background, using dabs of green and brown to suggest foliage.
- step 07
Refine the figures, adding small details to suggest clothing and features.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to the water and shoreline to enhance the overall impression.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · viridian green · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow · ultramarine blue
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Achieve the water's shimmering effect by layering thin washes of different colors and varying the pressure on the brush.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impressionistic brushstrokes
- ·scumbling
- ·color layering
- ·wet-on-dry
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
- →Failing to capture the light and shadow accurately.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture and movement.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting apron
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushstroke visibility. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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