plate no. 9138
The Empavesado yacht
Raoul Dufy, 1905
some experience helpful
This painting helps develop skills in simplifying complex scenes and capturing light with expressive brushstrokes. Students can learn to create a sense of depth and atmosphere using color and value.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: boats, buildings, and masts.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray wash.
- step 03
Establish the horizon line and the general layout of the harbor.
- step 04
Add the basic colors for the buildings and boats, focusing on the overall color harmony.
- step 05
Define the water with varying shades of blue and reflections.
- step 06
Paint the masts and rigging with thin, dark lines.
- step 07
Add the flags with small, bright strokes of color.
- step 08
Refine details and add highlights to create depth and interest.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · raw umber
secondary · cadmium yellow · cadmium red · ultramarine blue
Mix blues with white to create the sky and water. Use umber to create the darker tones for the boats and buildings. Mix yellow and red for the flags.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·alla prima
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·simplified forms
common pitfalls
- →Overworking details
- →Using too many colors
- →Losing the overall color harmony
- →Not simplifying the forms enough
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushstrokes.
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