plate no. 2144

The Way to Locquirec

Felix Vallotton, 1902

oilMagic Realismlandscapebuildingsroadtreesskylandscapevillage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and volume, as well as simplifying complex shapes into basic forms. It also encourages observation of light and shadow to define forms.

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 road, buildings, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of blue-gray paint.
step 03
Establish the main color masses for the buildings, road, and foliage.
step 04
Add darker values to define shadows and create depth in the foliage and on the buildings.
step 05
Layer lighter tones to create highlights on the buildings and road.
step 06
Refine the shapes of the buildings and add details like windows and chimneys.
step 07
Add details to the foliage, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 08
Add the red flowers in the foreground.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · raw sienna

Mix the sky color by combining ultramarine blue, white, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the greens by mixing sap green with yellow ochre and burnt umber for variations.

techniques

·layering
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·color mixing
·blocking in

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Not establishing a strong value structure.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the foliage.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·Oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red, sap green)
·Round brushes (#2, #4, #6)
·Flat brush (#8)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Rags