plate no. 1050
The Beach of Le Havre
Emilio Grau Sala, 1963
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose brushwork and creating atmospheric perspective through color and value variations. It also encourages simplification of complex scenes into basic shapes and forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the horizon line, pier, and major figures.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and beach, using thin washes.
- step 03
Add the darker values to define the shapes of the buildings, pier, and figures.
- step 04
Introduce the secondary colors to create depth and interest in the scene.
- step 05
Develop the details of the figures and buildings using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Add highlights to the water and sky to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes to create a sense of depth and distance.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · sap green
Mix yellow ochre and white for the sky, add burnt umber for darker areas. Use ultramarine blue and white for the water, adding small amounts of green and yellow. Mix burnt umber and cadmium red for the buildings and figures.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·dry brush
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Creating too much detail and losing the overall impressionistic effect.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the broken color effect. Consider using fast-drying paints or mediums to speed up the painting process.
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