plate no. 3032

Ebbing Tide, Version Two

Willard Metcalf, 1907

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapeoceanrockscoastlineskyislandvegetation

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and color mixing to create depth and texture. It's a good exercise in capturing the essence of a scene rather than precise detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major landforms.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and whites, using loose brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the base color of the ocean with varying shades of blue, adding hints of green and purple.
step 04
Paint the distant island, using muted earth tones and greens.
step 05
Begin building up the rocks with layers of gray, green, brown, and orange, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Add highlights to the rocks where the light hits, using lighter shades of the base colors.
step 07
Create the effect of waves and foam by adding white and light blue highlights with quick, choppy strokes.
step 08
Refine details and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired impressionistic effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · viridian green · cadmium yellow

Mix blues and greens with white to create the various shades of the ocean and sky. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create warm tones for the rocks and land.

techniques