plate no. 5631

Young Man with Red Scarf

Leon Spilliaert, 1908

oilExpressionismgenre paintingoceanwavesfigurebeachscarfhorizon

suitable for beginners

This painting is great for learning about simplified forms and color mixing to create depth. Students can practice creating a sense of movement with brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the curve of the waves.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky/beach, the ocean, and the figure.
step 03
Mix the various shades of blue for the ocean, starting with darker tones and gradually adding white for highlights.
step 04
Use horizontal brushstrokes to create the feeling of the beach and sky.
step 05
Add the white foam of the waves, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Paint the figure with simplified shapes, paying attention to the red scarf as a focal point.
step 07
Refine the details of the waves and the figure, adding subtle variations in color and tone.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and movement.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Titanium White · Burnt Sienna

secondary · Cadmium Red · Payne's Grey

Mix blues and white for the ocean, adding small amounts of burnt sienna or payne's grey to create depth. Use white to create the foam. Mix burnt sienna and white for the beach.

techniques