plate no. 4036

Barque on the River Hamme

Hans am Ende, 1900

oilImpressionismmarinaboatwaterskycloudssilhouetteriver

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in creating a strong silhouette and capturing the reflections on the water. Students will learn to mix muted colors and create atmospheric perspective.

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 placement of the boat and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, using horizontal brushstrokes.
step 03
Paint the water with similar muted tones, reflecting the colors of the sky.
step 04
Add the distant land and reeds with dark, thin strokes.
step 05
Carefully paint the silhouette of the boat, ensuring clean edges.
step 06
Add subtle reflections of the boat in the water.
step 07
Refine the clouds and water reflections, adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Add final details to the reeds and the boat silhouette.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre

Mix blues and grays with white for the sky and water. Use raw umber and payne's gray for the dark silhouette and distant land. Add a touch of yellow ochre to warm up the grays.

techniques