plate no. 5074

Sealers Crushed by Icebergs

oilRomanticismmarinaicebergsshipoceansmokefiguressky

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering complex textures like ice and smoke. It also provides practice in depicting a dramatic scene with a strong sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the icebergs, ships, and figures.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of neutral colors.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the icebergs, paying attention to their angles and planes.
step 04
Develop the sky and distant water, blending colors to create atmospheric perspective.
step 05
Add details to the ships, including the rigging and sails.
step 06
Paint the figures, focusing on their gestures and poses.
step 07
Refine the details of the icebergs, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 08
Add final touches, such as the smoke and reflections in the water.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · cadmium red

Achieve the cool tones of the ice by mixing white with small amounts of blue and umber. Create the dark, smoky atmosphere by blending black, umber, and a touch of red.

techniques