plate no. 0403

The Bridge at Labastide du Vert in Spring

Henri Martin, 1911

oil, canvasDivisionismcityscapebridgewatertreeslandscapereflectionfigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations and applying broken color techniques to create texture and light.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the bridge and its reflection.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the placement of key elements like trees and buildings.
step 03
Block in the main color areas using thin washes of color.
step 04
Begin applying individual strokes of color, building up layers and textures.
step 05
Focus on capturing the light and shadow on the bridge and in the water.
step 06
Add details to the trees, foliage, and buildings, using small, precise brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the reflections in the water, paying attention to color and distortion.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Create muted tones by adding complementary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques