plate no. 5337

The Harbor of Kalamata

Konstantinos Parthenis, 1911

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismmarinaseaskyboatcloudsdocklighthouse

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex shapes into basic forms. Students will also learn to create a sense of perspective through color and value changes.

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 lightly on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, sea, dock, and major elements.
step 03
Establish the horizon line and the basic perspective of the dock.
step 04
Add the boat and lighthouse, focusing on their simplified forms.
step 05
Layer in the clouds, using lighter blues and whites to create depth.
step 06
Refine the colors and values in the sea, adding subtle variations.
step 07
Add details to the dock, benches, and lighthouse.
step 08
Apply final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and depth.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · cadmium yellow

Mix various shades of blue for the sky and sea by combining cerulean blue, ultramarine blue, and white. Achieve the lighthouse color by mixing cadmium red light with yellow ochre and white. Use raw umber and white to create the grey tones of the dock.

techniques