plate no. 8938

Three-Masted Barque with Three Small Ships

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)marinashipsseaboatsskywatersails

suitable for beginners

This painting is great for learning about simplified forms and creating a sense of depth with color. Students can practice layering and blending to achieve the textured look of the sea and sky.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the ships and the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with a mix of yellow ochre and a touch of blue.
step 03
Paint the sea with varying shades of blue, green, and white, using horizontal brushstrokes.
step 04
Add the dark landmass in the foreground.
step 05
Paint the large ship, focusing on its simplified structure and sail shapes.
step 06
Add the smaller ships, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 07
Refine the details of the ships, such as masts and rigging.
step 08
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna

Mix blue and yellow ochre to create the greenish tones of the sky and sea. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Burnt umber and black are used for the ships and foreground.

techniques