plate no. 9893

Boat Landing, Dinnard

Maurice Prendergast, 1914

watercolor, paperPost-Impressionismlandscapeboatsbuildingsfigureswaterharborsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors and simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, boats, and figures, focusing on their relative positions.
step 02
Apply a light wash of yellow ochre to the harbor wall area.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the buildings (red, blue, yellow) using diluted washes.
step 04
Add the darker values to the water, using blues and purples, leaving some white for highlights.
step 05
Paint the boats, using reds, browns, and blacks, and suggest reflections in the water.
step 06
Add details to the figures and horses, keeping them simple and stylized.
step 07
Use small, broken brushstrokes to add texture to the buildings and harbor wall.
step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium red

secondary · burnt umber · titanium white · sap green

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the colors and create pastel shades. Mix greens with blue and yellow.

techniques