plate no. 9322

Boats at Royan

Samuel Peploe, 1910

oilPost-Impressionismmarinaboatswaterskylighthouseharborbuildings

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey form and texture. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing and layering to create a vibrant and dynamic composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: boats, lighthouse, and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, leaving some white for clouds.
step 03
Establish the basic colors of the water, using blues, greens, and hints of orange.
step 04
Paint the boats with simplified shapes, focusing on the light and shadow.
step 05
Add the masts and other linear elements with orange and brown.
step 06
Define the lighthouse with white and gray, adding subtle shadows.
step 07
Refine the reflections in the water with vertical brushstrokes.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · cadmium orange

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green · burnt umber

Mix blues and whites for the sky and water. Use orange and yellow ochre for the boats and masts. Mix greens and blues for the water reflections. Add white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques