plate no. 0233

A Fishing Boat in Dieppe Harbour

Christopher Wood, 1929

oilPost-Impressionismmarinaboatharborbuildingswaterskycliffs

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and understanding how to create depth using color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the boat, buildings, and landscape, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, water, land, and the boat's hull.
step 03
Add the darker values to define the shadows and create depth.
step 04
Begin refining the details of the boat, including the mast, rigging, and fishing net.
step 05
Add details to the buildings and landscape, such as windows, roofs, and foliage.
step 06
Refine the water, adding subtle variations in color and value to suggest movement.
step 07
Add final highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 08
Step back and adjust the painting as needed to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · gray · green · brown · white

secondary · red · yellow · ochre

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create variations by adding white or brown. Achieve the gray tones by mixing black and white, adjusting with touches of blue or brown for warmth or coolness.

techniques