plate no. 6913

Creeping Shadows: Yachts at Rest,Balboa, California

James Taylor Harwood, 1940

oil, panelImpressionismlandscapewaterboatstreesbuildingskylandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impasto techniques and color mixing to achieve subtle variations in light and shadow. It will also help with understanding how to create depth through color and texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, the positions of the boats, building, and tree.
step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the sky, water, and land using thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin building up texture with thicker paint, using short, deliberate brushstrokes.
step 04
Focus on capturing the light and shadow on the building and the reflections in the water.
step 05
Add details to the boats and trees, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 06
Refine the colors and values, adjusting the tones to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and details using small, precise brushstrokes.
step 08
Allow to dry and varnish for protection.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · sap green · cadmium yellow

Mix yellow ochre and white for the building, ultramarine blue and white for the sky and water, and burnt umber and sap green for the trees. Use small amounts of cadmium yellow to brighten the highlights.

techniques