plate no. 3137

The Beach at Trouville

oilImpressionismlandscapebeachskybuildingseacloudssand

suitable for beginners

This painting is great for learning how to create atmospheric perspective and simplified forms using loose brushstrokes. Students will practice mixing muted colors and capturing the essence of a scene rather than precise details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the horizon line and the placement of the building.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, sea, sand, and building, using thin washes.
step 03
Develop the sky with layers of gray, white, and hints of blue and purple, blending the edges of the clouds.
step 04
Add texture to the sand with visible brushstrokes and subtle color variations.
step 05
Define the building's form with darker values and suggest details with minimal strokes.
step 06
Paint the sea with horizontal strokes, indicating waves and reflections.
step 07
Add small details like figures or objects on the beach to create depth.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors as needed.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · payne's gray

Mix muted grays by combining white with small amounts of umber, blue, and sienna. Achieve the sandy tones by blending umber, ochre, and white. Use blue and white with a touch of umber for the sky and sea.

techniques