plate no. 5290

Off the Dutch Coast

watercolorImpressionismmarinaseawatercoastlineskywavesbuildings

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in watercolor washes, layering, and creating atmospheric perspective. It also encourages observation of subtle color variations in water and sky.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the horizon line and the basic shapes of the waves.
step 02
Apply a light wash of yellow ochre to the sky area.
step 03
Mix a pale blue-gray and wash in the distant water area, leaving some areas lighter to suggest mist.
step 04
Begin layering washes of green, blue, and gray to create the wave forms in the foreground.
step 05
Add darker greens and blues to the shadowed areas of the waves.
step 06
Use a dry brush technique to create texture and highlights on the waves.
step 07
Paint the distant coastline with muted browns and grays, suggesting buildings.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · burnt umber

secondary · sap green · payne's gray

Mix yellow ochre with a touch of burnt umber for the sky. Combine cerulean blue, burnt umber, and a touch of yellow ochre for the various shades of the sea. Use sap green to add some vibrancy to the waves.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·dry brush
·watercolor washes
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the washes and losing the transparency of the watercolor.
→Making the wave forms too uniform and lacking natural variation.
→Using colors that are too saturated and not muted enough.
→Not allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·Watercolor paints
·Watercolor brushes (round and flat)
·Watercolor paper (140lb cold press)
·Palette
·Water container
·Pencil
·Eraser
·Paper towels

optional

·Masking fluid
·Palette knife
·Spray bottle

Use good quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for better blending. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various effects.

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