Sailboats in a Sunlit Harbor (recto)

About this work

This painting shows a loose, sketchy harbor scene. Two sailboats float in calm water—one with a yellow hull and red trim, the other darker and simpler. Behind them, a low building with a red roof sits near the shore. The colors are soft and faded, with lots of pale blues, grays, and watery strokes. The brushwork looks quick and light, almost like a quick sketch. The paper shows through in some spots, giving it a delicate, unfinished feel. Next, check out the technique: watercolor, glazing to see how artists build up layers of color like this.