plate no. 2354

Rockbound Coast, Ogunquit

oilImpressionismlandscaperocksoceanwavesfiguresskycoastline

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding how light interacts with different surfaces. Students will also practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the rocks and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, ocean, and rocks using thin washes.
step 03
Establish the dark shadows on the rocks using a mix of browns and blues.
step 04
Begin layering lighter tones on the rocks to define their forms and textures.
step 05
Add details to the waves, focusing on the highlights and shadows.
step 06
Paint the figures on the cliff edge, keeping them simple and in proportion.
step 07
Refine the details of the rocks and waves, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium orange · viridian

Mix blues and whites for the sky and ocean. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the rocks, adding white for highlights and ultramarine for shadows. Mix greens and blues for the waves.

techniques