The Entrance to the Harbour at Hellevoetsluys

Begin with a light sketch outlining the horizon, major shapes of the boats, and the position of the buildings in the background.

Establish the sky with broad washes of muted blues, grays, and yellows, blending them to create a sense of atmospheric depth.

Block in the large masses of the water using dark greens and browns, paying attention to the direction and flow of the waves.

Start building up the waves with layers of lighter greens and whites, using short, choppy brushstrokes to create texture.

Paint the boats, starting with the larger sailing vessel and then the smaller rowboat, focusing on accurate proportions and details.

Add the figures in the rowboat, using small touches of color to define their forms.

Render the buildings in the background with soft edges and muted colors to create a sense of distance.

Add final details such as the seagulls, rigging, and highlights on the waves to bring the painting to life.