Sailboat, Rockport by Betty Parsons

plate no. 0599

Sailboat, Rockport

oilExpressionismlandscapesailboatwaterbuildingstreesskyharbor

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.

technical profile

palette complexity

3

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the sailboat, buildings, and landscape.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, water, land, and foliage.
step 03
Add darker values to define the shadows and create depth.
step 04
Layer lighter values to create highlights and bring out the forms.
step 05
Paint the details of the sailboat, such as the masts, sails, and hull.
step 06
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and roofs.
step 07
Refine the foliage with varied greens and textures.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · sap green · yellow ochre · black

Mix greens by blending blue and yellow. Create various shades of grey by mixing white and black with small amounts of other colors to warm or cool them.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·color layering
·broken color
·scumbling
·simplified shapes

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive style.
→Using too much paint and creating a muddy effect.
→Not paying attention to the values and creating a flat image.
→Failing to simplify the shapes and creating a cluttered composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic paints
·round brush #4
·flat brush #8
·palette knife
·palette
·water container
·paper towels

optional

·painting medium
·easel
·apron

Use a medium-grain canvas for better texture.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →

chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Dolly Sisters

Dolly Sisters

Kees van Dongen

Nude with Loaves

Nude with Loaves

Jean Helion

My Father

My Father

Carlos Botelho

Helen

Helen

Chronis Botsoglou

The portrait painter in the country

The portrait painter in the country

Albin Egger-Lienz

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Maria Bozoky

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Paul Werner

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

James Ensor