plate no. 5659

Southern harbor

Sven Jonson, 1924

oilSurrealismcityscapebuildingsfiguresstairsboatharborcityscape

suitable for beginners

This painting is great for learning about simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive scene. Students can practice creating depth through subtle value changes and defining shapes with clean edges.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings, figures, and boat.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background buildings and then moving to the foreground elements.
step 03
Mix a range of grays and browns for the stairs and dock, paying attention to the subtle value shifts that create depth.
step 04
Define the figures with simple shapes and colors, using darker values to create shadows.
step 05
Add details to the boat, such as the mast and rigging, using thin lines and subtle color variations.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and add highlights to create a sense of form.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the rope and the texture of the buildings.
step 08
Step back and adjust the colors and values as needed to create a cohesive and balanced painting.

color palette

primary · tan · gray · blue · brown

secondary · green · red

Mix the tans and browns by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and white. Use a touch of blue to create cooler grays for the shadows. The green is a mix of blue and yellow.

techniques