plate no. 1639

Harbor Night

Charles Reiffel, 1937

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapecityscapeharborwaterboatsbuildingsnight

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice layering colors and creating atmospheric perspective. Students can learn to suggest detail rather than rendering every element precisely.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, boats, and water, focusing on composition.
step 02
Establish the dark and light values with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar neutral color.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the sky, water, and buildings, using broad strokes.
step 04
Begin layering colors in the water, using short, broken strokes to create texture and reflections.
step 05
Add details to the buildings and boats, focusing on capturing the essence of their forms.
step 06
Refine the sky and clouds, paying attention to the subtle gradations of color and value.
step 07
Add highlights and reflections to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White · Burnt Umber

secondary · Cadmium Yellow · Alizarin Crimson · Payne's Gray

Mix greens for the water by combining Prussian Blue and Yellow Ochre. Create grays and blacks by mixing Burnt Umber, Prussian Blue and a touch of Alizarin Crimson. Lighten colors with Titanium White.

techniques