plate no. 0243
The Breeze, Antibes
John Duncan Fergusson, 1914
some experience helpful
This painting is a good exercise in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using directional brushstrokes to create movement. Students can learn to mix a range of blues and grays and apply them in distinct strokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the rocks, sea, and trees, paying attention to the overall composition.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray mixture.
- step 03
Apply the base color for the sea using horizontal brushstrokes, varying the blue tones.
- step 04
Add the white wave crests with thick, directional strokes.
- step 05
Paint the rocks using a range of grays and whites, defining the planes with contrasting values.
- step 06
Add the tree trunks and branches using dark browns and grays, following their natural curves.
- step 07
Paint the distant sailboat with white and gray, keeping it simple and abstract.
- step 08
Refine details and adjust values as needed to create depth and interest.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · raw umber
secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre
Mix various shades of blue by combining cerulean blue with white and a touch of raw umber or payne's gray. Achieve grays by mixing white with raw umber and a touch of blue.
techniques
- ·directional brushstrokes
- ·color mixing
- ·blocking in
- ·simplification
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original.
- →Making the wave crests too uniform and lacking movement.
- →Not varying the blue tones in the sea enough.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (#4, #8)
- ·flat brushes (#6, #10)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and improve flow.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
