plate no. 1356

Tip of the Bay

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapeoceanbeachcliffswavesskylandscape

some experience helpful

This painting offers an opportunity to practice layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes by focusing on broad shapes and color relationships.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes of the land and water.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of light gray-blue.
step 03
Establish the main colors of the ocean, using a mix of blues, greens, and white.
step 04
Paint the landmasses, paying attention to the variations in color and value.
step 05
Add details to the waves, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, adjusting as needed.
step 07
Add highlights to the waves and beach to create a sense of light.
step 08
Sign your artwork.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · raw umber · viridian green · cadmium yellow

Mix blues and greens with white to create the various shades of the ocean. Use yellow ochre and raw umber to create the sandy tones of the beach. Add small amounts of cadmium yellow to greens for highlights.

techniques