plate no. 3401

High Sea

oilRealismmarinaseawaveswaterskyrocksocean

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting dynamic water movement and creating atmospheric perspective through color and value variations. It also provides practice in using broken color and visible brushstrokes to build texture and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, indicating the horizon line, major wave formations, and rock outlines.
step 02
Establish the sky with a thin wash of muted blues and grays.
step 03
Block in the dark areas of the waves and rocks using dark blues, browns, and greens.
step 04
Begin layering lighter values onto the waves, using a mix of white, yellow ochre, and pale blues to suggest foam and highlights.
step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create the texture of the water and the movement of the waves.
step 06
Add details to the rocks, using dry brush techniques to create texture and suggest shadows.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows on the waves, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 08
Add final touches and details to the foam and spray, using small brushes and light, feathery strokes.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna · payne's gray

Mix blues and whites for the sky and lighter wave areas. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber to warm the whites and create variations in the foam. Payne's gray can be used to darken blues for the deeper water.

techniques