plate no. 7914

Walker Bay from Onrus

Maggie Laubser, 1922

oilExpressionismmarinaoceanwavesrockssandvegetationmountains

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to create depth. Students can also learn to capture the movement of water with expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: horizon line, coastline, mountains, and major rock formations.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light gray-blue, blending it slightly towards the horizon.
step 03
Establish the base color of the ocean with a mix of blues and greens, varying the tones to suggest depth.
step 04
Paint the sand areas with a mix of beige, yellow ochre, and touches of gray.
step 05
Add the rock formations using browns, grays, and touches of green, paying attention to their shapes and edges.
step 06
Use white and light blue to paint the waves, capturing their movement with quick, gestural brushstrokes.
step 07
Add the vegetation in the foreground with greens and browns, using varied brushstrokes to create texture.
step 08
Refine details and adjust colors as needed, paying attention to the overall balance and harmony of the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · sap green · gray

Mix blues and greens for the ocean, adding white for highlights and depth. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber for the sand and rocks, adjusting the tones with white and gray.

techniques