plate no. 9380

Viaduct at L'Estaque

Georges Braque, 1908

oil, canvasCubismlandscapebuildingslandscapebridgetreesarchitecturesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand simplified forms and how to represent depth through color and layering. It also provides practice in using visible brushstrokes to build texture and shape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, bridge, and landscape, focusing on their relative positions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the lightest yellows and tans for the buildings and bridge.
step 03
Add the darker greens for the trees and foliage, using short, choppy brushstrokes.
step 04
Mix and apply the orange-brown tones for the roofs, defining their shapes with distinct edges.
step 05
Introduce the blues and greens in the sky, using directional brushstrokes to suggest movement.
step 06
Refine the shapes and edges of the buildings and bridge, adding details like windows and shadows.
step 07
Adjust the color balance and value contrast to create depth and visual interest.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · sap green · cerulean blue

secondary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and cerulean blue. Create variations in the yellows and tans by adding small amounts of burnt sienna or raw umber. Use white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques