plate no. 2622

The Riviera (right Panel)

Charles E. Burchfield, 1926

oilNew Realismlandscapegardentreesseaskyflowerslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and understanding atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering complex organic shapes like trees and flowers.

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 placement of the horizon line, major trees, and garden elements.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue wash, adding subtle variations for clouds.
step 03
Establish the distant landmasses and sea with muted blues and greens, paying attention to value differences.
step 04
Begin layering in the trees, starting with darker values and adding highlights to create form.
step 05
Develop the garden area, focusing on the shapes and colors of the flowers and foliage.
step 06
Add details to the architecture, such as the arches and fountain.
step 07
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final details, such as small boats on the sea and highlights on the flowers.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · sap green · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, adjusting the ratios to create a variety of shades. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Muted tones are achieved by adding small amounts of complementary colors.

techniques