plate no. 0210

Waterfront, Bandol

Rupert Bunny, 1929

oilImpressionismlandscapewaterboatsbuildingstreesskylandscape

suitable for beginners

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice color mixing for subtle variations in light and shadow, as well as creating reflections on water. Students can also develop their skills in depicting architectural forms and foliage with simplified shapes.

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, mountains, and boats, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
step 03
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray wash.
step 04
Apply the base colors for the buildings, water, and land, using thin layers of paint.
step 05
Start adding details to the buildings, such as windows and roof tiles, using darker and lighter shades of the base colors.
step 06
Create reflections in the water by mirroring the colors of the buildings and boats, using horizontal brushstrokes.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to the boats and water to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Refine the details and add final touches, such as the trees and foliage.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · burnt sienna

secondary · sap green · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue

Mix white with yellow ochre and a touch of burnt sienna to create the warm tones of the buildings. Use cerulean blue and white for the sky, adding a touch of ultramarine for darker areas. Mix burnt sienna and cadmium red light for the roof tiles.

techniques