plate no. 9859

New Bedford Harbor at Sunset

oilRomanticismmarinashipsseaskysunsetcloudsharbor

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering reflections on water. It also provides practice in depicting complex shapes like sailing ships.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the horizon line and the basic shapes of the ships, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the sky with a gradient of blues and yellows, blending smoothly to create the sunset effect.
step 03
Establish the dark tones of the water, suggesting waves with horizontal brushstrokes.
step 04
Add the basic shapes of the ships, using dark colors for the hulls and lighter colors for the sails.
step 05
Refine the shapes of the ships, adding details like masts, rigging, and flags.
step 06
Create reflections of the ships in the water, using slightly blurred and darker versions of the colors above.
step 07
Add highlights to the water and the sails to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve the desired atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · raw sienna · ivory black

Mix various shades of yellow and white for the sky. Use burnt umber and black for the ships. Mix blue and umber for the sea, adding white for highlights.

techniques