plate no. 8116

View of a village with a boat

Gustave de Smet, 1923

oilExpressionismlandscapebuildingslandscapeboattreesskywater

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning about simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. Students will also practice creating depth through color and value variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, boat, and landscape, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, buildings, water, and land, using thinned paint.
step 03
Add darker values to define shadows and create depth in the buildings and trees.
step 04
Introduce secondary colors to add interest and variation to the landscape and water.
step 05
Refine the details of the boat and the path leading to the buildings.
step 06
Add highlights to create a sense of light and form.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to achieve the desired mood.
step 08
Add final details and textures with visible brushstrokes.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · black

Mix various shades of brown and green by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Create the sky by mixing titanium white with a touch of cadmium red.

techniques

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

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplified, expressive quality.
→Using too many colors and creating a muddy or chaotic effect.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure and creating a flat image.
→Not simplifying the forms enough, resulting in a cluttered composition.

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

·easel
·medium gloss
·painting rags

Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for sufficient detail without becoming overwhelming. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly due to their faster drying time.

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