Paint like Claude Monet on the Alabaster Coast of Normandy

Standing on the iconic cliffs of the Alabaster Coast, where Monet and his peers once painted, I’m eager to experience the landscape that inspired so many masterpieces. Today, I set up my easel for a plein-air painting class with a local artist, Sophie. The scenery is as breathtaking as I imagined, and the workshop has already started to change the way I approach painting, offering a fresh perspective and a deeper connection to the art of the Impressionists.

Sophie Justet, Local Painter

A native of Fécamp, Sophie draws endless inspiration from the Alabaster Coast’s cliffs, sea, and light in all seasons. Passionate about plein-air painting, she enjoys sharing her love of the landscape with students. With her expert guidance, you’ll quickly gain confidence and be amazed at your progress.

A warm Welcome in her Art Studio

Before we set up our easels on the clifftop overlooking the Fécamp coastline, Sophie warmly welcomes us into her painting studio, nestled in the heart of the town. Her unique hospitality creates the perfect atmosphere for a memorable experience. More than just a space where she works, her studio serves as a window into Sophie’s world, a world full of vibrant colors, shifting lights, and dynamic shadows. The walls of her studio are alive with her canvases, each one a striking reflection of her artistic journey, offering us a true sense of immersion in her creative universe.

We share a warm cup of coffee as Sophie introduces us to her collection of art books, which reflect her deep admiration not only for painting techniques but also for the Impressionist masters, particularly Claude Monet. She is drawn to their unwavering pursuit of spontaneity, sunlight, and color. As I spot a palette thick with layers of paint, Sophie reveals how her artistic practice evolved when she began making her own paints using natural pigments. Before our artistic adventure begins, she gives us a glimpse of her storeroom, filled with creative treasures. We then head to Cap Fagnet, the highest point on the Alabaster Coast, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Fécamp and the coastline. This spot, which Sophie lovingly calls “the roof of the world,” is one of her favorite places to paint.

Cap Fagnet: dramatic cliffs and epic views

As we reach Cap Fagnet, the historic significance of this vantage point from WWII becomes clear. Yet today, it’s the breathtaking beauty of the landscape that captivates us. In this tranquil setting, we set up our easels, ready to immerse ourselves in the art of painting and capture the magic of the Alabaster Coast. Let the creative journey begin!

This painting class is designed for all levels, from beginners eager to explore their creativity, to seasoned artists looking to refine or shake up their Impressionist style. Sophie begins by introducing us to the fundamentals of colour theory, guiding us through the colour wheel to understand primary, secondary, and complementary colors. This knowledge helps us grasp the magic of mixing paints. Then, we turn our focus to the stunning landscape, selecting the perfect scene to capture. Framing the view with our fingers, we are drawn to the majestic cliffs of Senneville in the distance, with nature’s vibrant palette unfolding before us.

Embracing the light, the moment, and the joy of artistic freedom

Surprisingly, we begin by covering the blank, white canvas with a layer of orange, creating a backdrop into which we can seamlessly blend the landscape, which on this day is dominated by shades of blue. “When we look at a landscape,” says Sophie, “we see a mass of colour and light.” Under her expert guidance, we attempt to capture the cliffs on our canvas using loose brushwork, aiming to convey the fleeting, momentary effect of light. One by one, Sophie takes us through the basic techniques and composition, step by step.

Sophie captivates us by introducing a range of lesser-known colours, each named after the pigments that define them: Naples Yellow, Venetian Red, Burnt Sienna, Indian Red, Ultramarine Blue… Using a variety of brushes, we are also encouraged to experiment with unconventional tools, such as our fingers and even grass, to add unique textures to our work. The beauty of oil painting, Sophie reminds us, is that you can always paint over areas you’re not satisfied with. One of her key pieces of advice is to step back regularly and assess our progress, just as the Impressionists did. This constant reflection and willingness to make quick adjustments transform the process into a truly rewarding experience for all.

Useful Information

A unique Place

Fécamp on the Alabaster Coast

Only 20 minutes away from Étretat, Fécamp is a lively town steeped in maritime history. Once a favourite port of call for Monet and Berthe Morisot, it was also frequented by Delacroix. The Fine Arts gallery at the Musée des Pêcheries showcases several paintings associated with the Impressionist movement.