plate no. 0176

The High Shore

Lyonel Feininger, 1923

oilCubismlandscapelandscapecoastlineseaskygeometric shapesfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand geometric abstraction and how to translate natural forms into simplified shapes. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve muted and harmonious tones.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main geometric shapes and lines of the composition, focusing on the large mountain, coastline, and foreground elements.
step 02
Block in the sky and sea with diluted washes of blue and green, establishing the overall color tone.
step 03
Begin layering darker values on the land masses, using a mix of browns, grays, and blacks to define the geometric planes.
step 04
Gradually build up the color intensity and value contrast, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns on each plane.
step 05
Mix subtle variations of the primary colors to create depth and dimension within the geometric shapes.
step 06
Add details like the figures and the small structures on the beach with precise brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes to create a sense of sharpness and clarity.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the color balance and value contrast to enhance the overall harmony of the painting.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Burnt Umber · Titanium White

secondary · Yellow Ochre · Payne's Gray

Mix blues and whites for the sky and sea, adding a touch of yellow ochre for warmth. Use burnt umber and Payne's gray for the dark land masses, lightening with white and yellow ochre for highlights.

techniques