plate no. 9966
The Port of Sauzon
Maxime Maufra, 1905
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as capturing the atmospheric perspective of a coastal scene. Students will also learn to simplify complex shapes into basic forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line, the placement of the buildings, and the boats.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, water, buildings, and foreground.
- step 03
Develop the sky with subtle variations in tone, using soft blending techniques.
- step 04
Add details to the buildings, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
- step 05
Paint the water, capturing the reflections and the movement of the surface.
- step 06
Add the boats, paying attention to their shapes and their placement in the water.
- step 07
Refine the foreground, adding details to the vegetation and the shoreline.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to create depth and interest.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green
Mix muted greens for the water and foliage by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt sienna. Achieve the sky's subtle tones by blending white with small amounts of blue and ochre.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the buildings.
- →Creating too much contrast in the water.
- →Failing to capture the atmospheric perspective.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
- →Not establishing a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·#8 filbert brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for better paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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