plate no. 4060

Erebus' and the 'Terror' in New Zealand, August 1841

oilRomanticismmarinashipsboatsfigureswatermountainssky

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering reflections in water. Students will also practice painting complex shapes like ships and figures in boats.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the ships, boats, and mountains.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall tonal values of the sky and water.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the mountains and landmasses, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
step 04
Begin defining the shapes of the ships, starting with the largest one and working towards the background.
step 05
Add details to the boats and figures, focusing on capturing their forms and gestures.
step 06
Paint the reflections in the water, using slightly darker and less saturated versions of the colors above.
step 07
Refine the details of the sky and clouds, adding subtle variations in color and tone.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · raw sienna · ivory black

Mix various shades of blue and yellow ochre to create the sky and water. Use burnt umber and raw sienna for the mountains and land. Add white to lighten the colors and create atmospheric perspective.

techniques