plate no. 8621

The young captain

Gustave de Smet, 1927

oilExpressionismportraitfiguresbuildingswaterboatsportraitcityscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding how to create a sense of depth using color and value variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on proportions and placement of figures and buildings.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, starting with the background and larger shapes.
step 03
Gradually build up layers of color, adding details and refining the shapes.
step 04
Mix subtle variations of the main colors to create depth and dimension.
step 05
Define the edges of the shapes with darker tones to create contrast.
step 06
Add details to the figures, such as facial features and clothing details.
step 07
Refine the background elements, adding details to the buildings and boats.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · beige · brown · white · blue

secondary · green · yellow · orange

Mix beige by combining white with small amounts of brown and yellow. Create variations by adding touches of blue or green. Achieve darker tones by adding more brown or blue.

techniques