plate no. 4580

Thunderstorm on Narragansett Bay

oilLuminismmarinaseaboatsstormlightningfiguresclouds

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating dramatic lighting effects. Students will also learn how to depict reflections on water and create a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, paying attention to the horizon line and placement of the boats and figures.
step 02
Establish the dark tones of the sky and water using a thin wash of dark color.
step 03
Block in the lighter areas of the sky and clouds, blending the edges to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
step 04
Add the details of the boats and figures, paying attention to their shapes and proportions.
step 05
Create the reflections in the water, using a slightly lighter and more muted version of the colors above.
step 06
Add the lightning bolt using a thin brush and a bright white or yellow color.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to adjust values and colors.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna

Mix dark blues and browns for the sky and water. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Mix yellow ochre and raw sienna for the foreground.

techniques