plate no. 1850

The Old Harbour

oilExpressionismcityscapeharborboatsbuildingsseafiguresrooftops

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive atmosphere. It also provides practice in rendering textures with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, boats, and harbor, focusing on the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, sea, and buildings using diluted washes.
step 03
Begin adding details to the buildings, such as the stone textures and roof tiles, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 04
Paint the boats and their reflections in the water, paying attention to the perspective and scale.
step 05
Add the figures and other small details to bring the scene to life.
step 06
Refine the colors and values, adjusting the contrast and adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Add final details with dry brush strokes to enhance texture.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of blue and white for the sea and sky. Use raw umber and white for the stone buildings, adding touches of burnt sienna for warmth. Mix red and umber for the rooftops.

techniques