plate no. 9551

When the Wind Blows the Sea In'

oilRealismmarinaseawavesskycloudsbirdswater

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and movement in water, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective to depict distance.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of the major wave formations.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 03
Establish the base color of the water using a mix of blues, greens, and white.
step 04
Begin layering in the darker tones to define the shadows and the forms of the waves.
step 05
Add highlights to the crests of the waves using white and light blues, creating a sense of movement and energy.
step 06
Refine the details of the waves, paying attention to the way the light interacts with the water.
step 07
Paint the birds in the sky, keeping them simple and small to maintain the focus on the water.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · viridian green · titanium white

secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre

Achieve the turquoise water by mixing cerulean blue and viridian green with varying amounts of white. Use Payne's gray to darken the blues and greens for shadows.

techniques