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home·artworks·Vista de Saint Paul de Vence
Vista de Saint Paul de Vence by Andre Derain

plate no. 2095

Vista de Saint Paul de Vence

Andre Derain, 1910

oil, canvasCubismcityscapecityscapebuildingstreesskyhillfoliage
some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and how to use color temperature to create depth. Students will also practice blocking in forms with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, hill, and trees, paying attention to the overall composition.

  2. step 02

    Block in the sky with a light blue, leaving space for the buildings.

  3. step 03

    Establish the dark values of the foliage using a dark green mixture.

  4. step 04

    Add the mid-tones to the buildings using ochre and burnt sienna.

  5. step 05

    Introduce highlights to the buildings and foliage using lighter shades of yellow and green.

  6. step 06

    Refine the shapes and edges of the buildings and foliage, adding details where necessary.

  7. step 07

    Add the tree trunks framing the scene.

  8. step 08

    Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · viridian green

secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow light · raw umber

Mix greens by blending blue and yellow. Use white to lighten values and create highlights. Mix burnt sienna and raw umber for darker tones in the foliage.

techniques

  • ·blocking in
  • ·broken color
  • ·scumbling
  • ·color temperature
  • ·simplification

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the simplified forms.
  • →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
  • →Ignoring the value structure and creating a flat image.
  • →Not establishing a clear focal point.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
  • ·Oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, viridian green, titanium white)
  • ·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
  • ·Palette
  • ·Palette knife
  • ·Odorless mineral spirits
  • ·Linseed oil
  • ·Rags

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel
  • ·color wheel

Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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