plate no. 1899

The Bridge at Chatou

Maurice de Vlaminck, 1912

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismcityscapebridgeriverbuildingsskytreeslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing reflections in water and using expressive brushstrokes to define form and texture. Students can also learn how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and colors.

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: bridge, buildings, river banks, and sky.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the sky, water, and land using broad strokes.
step 03
Establish the dark values in the water and shadows under the bridge.
step 04
Add the lighter values to the clouds and highlights on the water.
step 05
Define the shapes of the buildings and bridge with more precise brushstrokes.
step 06
Add details to the trees and foliage, using varying shades of green.
step 07
Refine the reflections in the water, paying attention to color and value.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to create depth and interest.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · yellow ochre

Mix blues and whites for the sky and water, adding small amounts of green for the water's depth. Use burnt sienna and white for the bridge, adjusting with small amounts of yellow ochre for warmth. Mix greens with blue and yellow ochre.

techniques