plate no. 5223

The Ships of the Times of Peter I

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)marinashipsseacloudsfiguresflagsboats

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting complex forms in perspective and understanding atmospheric perspective to create depth. It also provides practice in rendering textures of water, sails, and wooden ships.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the major shapes of the ships, horizon line, and figures.
step 02
Establish the basic color blocks for the sky, water, and ships, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Develop the details of the main ship, including the rigging, sails, and hull, paying attention to perspective.
step 04
Add details to the other ships, gradually reducing detail and contrast for ships further in the distance.
step 05
Refine the water, adding highlights and shadows to suggest movement and depth.
step 06
Add details to the figures in the foreground, paying attention to their interaction with the boat and the water.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to the focal points of the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · payne's gray

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or gray. Use thin washes of color for the sky and distant ships, and thicker paint for the foreground elements.

techniques