Love this painting?
Want to paint it yourself?
Buy the Paint-it-Yourself Pack for £9.99

Simply add three packs to your cart and and enter the coupon "onefree"
Browse: Similar paintings | All paintings | Same style | Same subject
Drag the handle left or right to compare the line drawing with the original painting.
The painting of Stornoway Harbour captures the serene yet vibrant ambience of this picturesque Scottish locale. The depiction showcases the characteristic fishing boats with their bold red and orange hues, delicately juxtaposed against the cool blues of the water and sky. The row of charming buildings in the background, painted in soft pastels and neutrals, adds depth and a sense of community to the scene. The style is a harmonious blend of impressionism and abstraction, with bold brushstrokes and a vivid palette that immerse the viewer in the calming yet lively environment of the harbour.
Begin by setting up your workspace. Ensure you have good lighting and a comfortable area to work. Place your canvas on an easel or flat surface. If you're using the artists' grid version from the Paint-Your-Own Pack, use it to transfer the main outlines onto your canvas with light pencil lines. This will help you maintain composition accuracy.
Start by blocking in the major shapes. Use a broad brush and dilute your paint slightly to apply the initial layer. Focus on the sky, water, boats, and buildings. Stick to the general color palette provided in the pack. Don't worry about details now; focus on the overall structure and color distribution.
With a smaller brush, begin adding details to the buildings. Use light pastel tones for the walls and deeper shades for the windows and roofs. Refer to the line drawings as a guide to maintain the intricate details and architectural elements. Build depth by varying the tones slightly.
Shift focus to the boats. Use bold colors such as red, orange, and yellow to bring them to life. Pay attention to the shapes and outlines, using the sketches for guidance. Add subtle highlights and shadows to convey volume and form.
Return to the water. Use varying shades of blue and green to capture the reflective quality of the surface. Blend colors softly to mimic the gentle ripples and reflections of the boats and buildings. The optional grid version can help in achieving symmetry and balance.
Refine any areas that need additional detail or brightness. Add final highlights to the boats and buildings to enhance depth. Examine the painting as a whole and make any adjustments necessary to balance colors and tones across the piece.
Take a step back to review your work. Ensure all elements are cohesive and the color palette is harmonious throughout. Once satisfied, sign your painting in a corner using a fine brush.
Enjoy the beauty of your recreated Stornoway Harbour scene!