plate no. 7661

Departure Towards the Open Sea

oilImpressionismgenre paintingseaboatsfiguresbeachskylandscape

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing loose brushwork and capturing atmospheric perspective. Students will learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the boat and figures.
step 02
Block in the sky and sea with broad strokes, using a mix of blues and whites.
step 03
Establish the landmass and beach, using earth tones and greens.
step 04
Add the boat, paying attention to its shape and the reflections in the water.
step 05
Paint the figures with quick, gestural strokes, focusing on their silhouettes.
step 06
Add details like the masts, sails, and smoke from the ship.
step 07
Refine the colors and values, creating depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of light and form.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · ivory black

Mix blues and whites for the sky and sea, adding small amounts of yellow ochre for warmth. Use burnt umber and white for the boat and figures, and mix greens from blue and yellow for the landscape.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·alla prima
·gestural brushstrokes

common pitfalls

→overworking details
→muddying colors
→incorrect proportions of figures
→lack of atmospheric perspective

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes
·flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
·mineral spirits (if using oil paints)

optional

·medium gloss
·easel
·rags

Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for detail, but not so large that it becomes overwhelming. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly, but oils will give a richer, more luminous effect.

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