plate no. 2058

Maine Coast Booths Bay

Charles Reiffel

oilImpressionismlandscapecoastlinerockswatertreesskyboat

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the land, water, and sky, paying attention to the horizon line and major rock formations.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying thin washes of color to the sky, water, and land.
step 03
Begin building up layers of color on the rocks, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and form.
step 04
Add details to the trees and foliage, using a variety of greens, yellows, and browns.
step 05
Paint the boat in the distance, simplifying its form and using muted colors to create atmospheric perspective.
step 06
Refine the details of the foreground, adding highlights and shadows to the rocks and foliage.
step 07
Add final touches to the sky and water, blending colors and softening edges.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition, ensuring that the focal point is clear and the colors are balanced.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · sap green · cadmium yellow

Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky and water. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create warm tones for the rocks and foliage. Mix greens by combining blue and yellow.

techniques