plate no. 7557
Violet Cliffs
Louis Valtat, 1900
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in capturing dynamic water movement and creating depth through color variations. Students can learn to simplify complex forms into expressive brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the cliffs, sea, and sky, focusing on proportions and composition.
- step 02
Establish the darkest values on the cliffs using a mix of dark red and brown.
- step 03
Block in the general color of the sea with varying shades of blue, adding hints of green and white.
- step 04
Paint the sky with horizontal strokes of gray, blue, and pink, blending softly.
- step 05
Add highlights to the cliffs using lighter shades of red and pink, defining the rock formations.
- step 06
Develop the waves with dynamic brushstrokes of white, light blue, and gray, capturing their movement.
- step 07
Refine the details of the cliffs and waves, adding texture and depth.
- step 08
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a cohesive and expressive painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · cadmium red light
Mix various shades of blue and green for the sea by combining ultramarine blue with white, yellow ochre, and a touch of alizarin crimson. Achieve the cliff colors by mixing alizarin crimson with raw umber and cadmium red light.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·expressive brushstrokes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the spontaneity of the brushstrokes.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to capture the dynamic movement of the waves.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the cliffs and sea.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints (ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, titanium white, yellow ochre, raw umber, cadmium red light)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use good quality oil paints for best results. A medium can help with blending and drying time.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
