plate no. 1821

Storm Cloud

oilImpressionismmarinaseacloudsskywavesstormboat

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting atmospheric perspective and rendering dynamic water movement with loose brushstrokes. It also provides practice in mixing subtle color variations to create depth and mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the large cloud formations.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the dark areas of the sea and the shadowed parts of the clouds.
step 03
Begin layering in the sky, blending blues, grays, and whites to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 04
Develop the cloud forms, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to suggest texture and volume.
step 05
Work on the water, using a variety of greens, blues, and browns to capture the movement and depth of the waves.
step 06
Add highlights to the waves and clouds to create contrast and visual interest.
step 07
Refine the details, such as the distant boat and any birds in the sky.
step 08
Add final glazes to unify the painting and adjust the overall color balance.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · viridian green · yellow ochre · payne's gray

Achieve the cloud colors by mixing white with small amounts of blue, umber, and ochre. The water requires mixing blues and greens with umber and white to create the varying depths and tones.

techniques