plate no. 2884

Full moon effect on the sea at Hellebaek

oil, canvasRealismmarinaseamoonbuildingsskycloudsboat

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in creating atmospheric perspective and subtle gradations of color to depict a nighttime scene. Students will learn to blend colors smoothly to create a sense of depth and luminosity.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, the placement of the buildings, the moon, and the boat.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark areas of the sky and sea with a dark blue mix.
step 03
Add lighter blues and grays to the sky, blending them to create a sense of depth and cloud formation.
step 04
Paint the moon with a light yellow, and blend a soft halo around it.
step 05
Block in the buildings with dark reds and browns, adding highlights to suggest the moonlight.
step 06
Paint the sea with varying shades of blue, creating a reflection of the moon using lighter yellows and whites.
step 07
Add details to the boat and the shoreline, using small brushstrokes.
step 08
Refine the blending and add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red

Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the dark blues. Use titanium white to lighten the blues and create highlights. Mix yellow ochre with white for the moon's glow.

techniques