plate no. 2206
The Harbour in Harfleur
Johan Jongkind, 1850
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow in a coastal scene. It also provides practice in painting figures in a landscape setting.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the major elements (boats, figures, buildings).
- step 02
Establish the sky with broad strokes, blending blues, whites, and grays to create a cloudy effect.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes of the boats and buildings using simplified forms and dark tones.
- step 04
Develop the foreground with a mix of browns, grays, and ochres, suggesting the texture of the harbor.
- step 05
Add details to the boats and figures, paying attention to their proportions and gestures.
- step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and enhance the atmospheric effect.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to the water and sky.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · payne's gray
Mix various shades of gray by combining ultramarine blue, raw umber, and white. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create warm earth tones for the foreground and boats. Add small amounts of blue to the earth tones to create cooler shadows.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the foreground, losing the sense of atmosphere.
- →Creating too much contrast, making the painting look harsh.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Not blending the colors sufficiently in the sky.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting apron
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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