plate no. 3400

Shipwreck

oilRomanticismmarinashipoceanrockscloudsfirewaves

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering dynamic water and dramatic lighting effects, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective.

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 ship, rocks, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the dark areas of the sky and the general shapes of the clouds with thin washes.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the rocks, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Begin layering the ocean, starting with the darker greens and blues in the distance and working towards the lighter, more turbulent water in the foreground.
step 05
Add the details of the ship, including the fire and smoke, using thin layers of paint.
step 06
Focus on the highlights and shadows of the waves, using white and light blues to create the impression of movement.
step 07
Add the details of the rocks, including the texture and the highlights where the waves are crashing.
step 08
Refine the details and add finishing touches, such as the birds and debris in the water.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green · ivory black

Mix greens by combining ultramarine blue and yellow ochre, and adjust the value with white or black. Achieve the fiery colors by layering cadmium red and burnt umber.

techniques