plate no. 2950

Fisherman's Cottage with Boats

Maggie Laubser, 1936

oilExpressionismlandscapecottageboatswaterlandscapetreessky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice loose watercolor washes and capturing the essence of a scene with simplified shapes and colors. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve a harmonious palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: cottage, boats, and background elements.
step 02
Apply a light wash of color to the sky and water, establishing the overall mood.
step 03
Paint the cottage with a base layer of yellow, then add shadows and details.
step 04
Add the boats, using blues and browns, and suggest reflections in the water.
step 05
Paint the surrounding landscape with greens and browns, using loose brushstrokes.
step 06
Add details like windows, doors, and foliage with darker colors.
step 07
Refine the composition by adding highlights and shadows.
step 08
Add final details, such as the path and small figures.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna

secondary · sap green · raw umber · titanium white

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create browns by mixing burnt sienna and ultramarine blue. Vary the intensity of colors by adding water.

techniques