plate no. 5425

Before the storm

oilRealismmarinashipswaterskyboatsharborbuildings

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, rendering reflections in water, and depicting complex shapes like ships with simplified brushstrokes. It's also a good exercise in creating a moody, overcast atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement and size of the ships and buildings.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall tonal values of the sky and water.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the ships with dark and light values, focusing on the largest ship first.
step 04
Begin adding details to the ships, such as masts, sails, and rigging, using thin brushes.
step 05
Paint the reflections in the water, using similar colors and values as the objects above, but with softer edges.
step 06
Add the buildings and other elements on the shore, simplifying their details.
step 07
Refine the sky and water, blending the colors and adding subtle variations in tone.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to create depth and interest.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Achieve the muted tones by mixing black and white with small amounts of earth tones and blues. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the warm highlights on the ships and buildings.

techniques

·atmospheric perspective
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·broken color
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details on the ships, making them look too sharp and defined.
→Making the reflections too perfect or symmetrical.
→Not creating enough variation in the sky and water, resulting in a flat and lifeless effect.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point.