plate no. 7716

The boat in the Les Rotes

Alejandro Cabeza, 2001

oilRealismlandscapeboatbeachsearocksskysand

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice color mixing for realistic water and sand, as well as rendering form with light and shadow on the boat and rocks. It also provides practice in creating depth through atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the placement of the boat, horizon line, and rock formations.
step 02
Block in the sky and sea with broad strokes, establishing the overall color and value.
step 03
Paint the sand and rocks, focusing on capturing the warm and cool tones created by sunlight and shadow.
step 04
Begin to define the details of the boat, including the shape, color, and highlights.
step 05
Add the details of the waves and foam in the sea.
step 06
Refine the shadows and highlights on the rocks and sand to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add final details to the boat, such as the trim and interior.
step 08
Make any necessary adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow

Mix various shades of blue and green for the sea by combining cerulean blue, ultramarine blue, and a touch of yellow. Achieve the sand color by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and white.

techniques