plate no. 0701

Fishermen in an Approaching Storm

oilRomanticismmarinaseawavesboatsskyfigurescliffs

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting dynamic water and atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to create a sense of drama and movement through composition and brushwork.

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 horizon line, the ships, and the cliffs.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of warm yellow for the sky and a darker, cooler tone for the sea.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the clouds, paying attention to the light source and the shadows.
step 04
Begin to build up the waves, using short, choppy brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
step 05
Add details to the ships, including the sails, masts, and rigging.
step 06
Paint the figures in the boat, focusing on their gestures and expressions.
step 07
Refine the details of the cliffs, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 08
Add final highlights to the waves and the sails to create a sense of drama.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red

Mix yellow ochre and ultramarine blue for the greenish sky tones. Use burnt umber and ultramarine blue for the dark sea. Add titanium white to lighten values and create highlights.

techniques