plate no. 5944

The Ship Yard, Cos Cob

oilImpressionismlandscapebuildingsboatstreeswaterlandscapesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and color mixing to create atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, boats, and horizon line using a light pencil.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of pale gray and pink.
step 03
Establish the main color masses for the buildings using a mix of red, brown, and white.
step 04
Paint the trees and foliage with various shades of green, blue, and brown, using broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Block in the field with a mix of yellow, green, and brown, varying the colors to create depth.
step 06
Add the water using horizontal strokes of gray, blue, and green, reflecting the sky and surrounding landscape.
step 07
Refine the details of the boats and buildings, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to create a sense of atmosphere and realism.

color palette

primary · red oxide · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt umber · sap green · raw sienna

Mix red oxide and burnt umber for the buildings. Use yellow ochre and sap green for the field. Mix ultramarine blue and white for the sky and water, adding touches of red oxide for warmth.

techniques