plate no. 9323

Boats

Lin Fengmian, 1979

oilExpressionismlandscapeboatswaterskysailslandscapewaves

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice expressive brushstrokes and layering to create depth and texture. It also encourages simplification of complex subjects into basic shapes and lines.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, indicating the horizon line and the placement of the boats.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted turquoise and green to establish the base color of the water and sky.
step 03
Add darker blues and greens to the sky and foreground to create depth and contrast.
step 04
Paint the boats using ochre, brown, and white, focusing on capturing their shapes and reflections.
step 05
Use bold, visible brushstrokes to define the sails and hulls of the boats.
step 06
Add black lines to define the masts and details of the boats.
step 07
Create the impression of waves in the foreground using white and dark blue paint with broken brushstrokes.
step 08
Refine details and adjust values to create a cohesive and expressive painting.

color palette

primary · turquoise · ochre · black

secondary · white · brown · green

Mix turquoise by combining blue and green with white. Achieve variations in the water by adding small amounts of brown or black to the turquoise base.

techniques