Mediterranean Harbour

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

Learn to paint stunning mediterranean harbour scenes. Follow me step by step as I show you the techniques I use to paint this impressionistic harbour scene. Raising the overall colour vibrancy, glowing light, transparent water and impressionistic brushwork are all demonstrated in the video. Enjoy!

This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.

See the full lesson

"Mediterranean Harbour" 11x13" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson.

Step 1Initial Sketch and Composition

What colors should I mix to start sketching the scene?

To start sketching the scene, mix a little bit of phthalo and magenta together in a very oily mixture with walnut oil. This combination will help you create the initial sketch for your painting. For more detailed guidance, you can explore the full lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/77-Mediterranean-Harbour.

Why is the horizon line raised in the composition?

The horizon line is raised a little bit to avoid placing it dead center, which can make the composition more dynamic and interesting. Adjusting the horizon line can help create a more balanced and visually appealing painting. For more tips on composition, visit the full lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/77-Mediterranean-Harbour.

How should I approach drawing the main boat in the composition?

To draw the main boat, start by blocking in the placement of the top, bottom, and ends of the boat. Since the boat has a bit of a tilt, draw a nice straight center line through it and work the curves around that line. This approach helps manage the tricky shapes involved. For further assistance, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/77-Mediterranean-Harbour.

What should I do if I'm not confident in drawing boat shapes?

If you're not confident in drawing boat shapes, it's recommended to practice by doing some sketches of these boats first with pencil and paper. This practice will help you get the hang of the shapes before committing to paint. For more practice tips, you can refer to the full lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/77-Mediterranean-Harbour.

Can I sketch the scene with pencil instead of paint?

Yes, if you prefer not to sketch with paint, you can sketch in really lightly with pencil. This allows you to easily correct mistakes by simply rubbing them out. This flexibility can be especially helpful for beginners. For more sketching techniques, visit the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/77-Mediterranean-Harbour.

Why is one of the boats brought out further in the composition?

One of the boats is brought out a little bit further to break the monotony of the composition. This variation can add interest and balance to the overall scene. For more composition strategies, explore the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/77-Mediterranean-Harbour.

Step 2: Dark Values and Shadows →

Summary & key takeaways

As we conclude our journey through the Mediterranean Harbour painting, I hope you've embraced the vibrant interplay of light and shadow that defines this scene. We began with a dynamic composition, carefully sketching the boats and village to set the stage for a lively depiction of this picturesque locale. By adjusting the horizon and experimenting with perspective, we created a balanced and engaging composition that draws the viewer into the scene.

Throughout the painting process, we focused on establishing strong dark values first, which provided a solid foundation for the vibrant colors to shine. The use of walnut oil and careful color mixing allowed us to achieve rich, deep shadows and glowing highlights. By paying attention to the way light bounces into shadow areas, we infused the painting with warmth and life, capturing the essence of a sunlit Mediterranean day.

I hope this lesson has encouraged you to explore color variation and the power of clean, vibrant hues. By observing and enhancing the colors in your reference, you can bring a unique energy to your work. Remember, each brushstroke is an opportunity to express your vision and bring your painting to life.

Points to remember

Start with a dynamic composition by adjusting the horizon line.
Establish dark values first to create a strong foundation.
Use walnut oil to enhance paint fluidity and blending.
Observe how light bounces into shadows to add color richness.
Mix grays using yellow ochre for a more neutral tone.
Clean your brush thoroughly when changing colors to avoid muddiness.
Enhance shadow colors beyond what is seen in photos for vibrancy.
Lighten and warm shadows to suggest light bouncing back into them.