plate no. 3538
Trouville
Raoul Dufy, 1907
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to create mood and atmosphere. It also provides an opportunity to explore expressive brushwork and color mixing.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, figures, and horizon line using a pencil or thinned paint.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and ground. Use broad brushstrokes.
- step 03
Define the shapes of the buildings with bolder colors, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 04
Add details to the figures, such as clothing and umbrellas, using smaller brushstrokes.
- step 05
Introduce secondary colors to create depth and interest in the buildings and ground.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and add highlights to create a sense of form.
- step 07
Add final details, such as windows and architectural elements, using a fine brush.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre
secondary · viridian green · ultramarine blue · white
Mix various shades of red and yellow to achieve the building colors. Use white to lighten the blues for the sky and to create highlights.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·simplification
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and creating a jarring effect.
- →Failing to simplify the shapes and creating a cluttered composition.
- →Not paying attention to the light and shadow, resulting in a flat image.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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