plate no. 4723

The Rising Tide

Felix Vallotton, 1913

oil, canvasMagic Realismlandscapeseabeachsandskyfiguregrass

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and forms. It's also a good exercise in understanding color temperature and how it affects the overall mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the major shapes of the land and sea.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, sea, sand, and grassy hill.
step 03
Develop the color variations within each area, paying attention to the subtle shifts in tone and hue.
step 04
Add the details of the waves and the reflections in the water.
step 05
Refine the shapes and details of the sand patterns and the grassy hill.
step 06
Paint the figure, keeping it simple and understated.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and dimension.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · violet · sap green

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt sienna for the dark sea. Use yellow ochre and white for the sand, adding small amounts of burnt sienna for warmth. Mix ultramarine blue and white with a touch of violet for the sky.

techniques