Boat in Trouble
1874
charcoal
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1874
charcoal
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This painting shows a dark, stormy scene with a boat struggling in rough waves. The figures on board look tense, gripping ropes or each other as the water crashes around them. The colors are mostly browns and blacks, with a few lighter spots where the wind or spray breaks through. The rough brushstrokes and heavy texture make the chaos feel real—like you’re right there in the storm. The artist used thick layers of paint to create this dramatic effect. Next, check out impasto to see how this technique works.
