This was the subject at a recent AVA session. In my case I just happened to see a photograph in the Guardian newspaper about offshore tax avoidance which highlighted the tiny Caribbean Island of Nevis - 20000 companies supposedly based there in a single building, actually just a postbox!. The photo was of two fishermen and their boat on the beach.
The early stages
18" x 12" Fabriano Artistico Extra White 140lb (300gsm) Not
My initial approach was to make as careful a drawing of the boat and the two fishermen as I am able. The rest just involved a few pencil lines for the land on the horizon. I first painted the sky, although I returned to it later with Cobalt Blue and a diluted solution, where I added some Burnt Sienna to grey it for the lighter areas. I also added stronger Cobalt at the top after wetting the paper. Colours were Cobalt Blue, Burnt Sienna, Raw Umber, Raw Sienna, some Phalo Blue (Cyan - Maimeri) and I think the red was Quinacridone Fuschia (Daniel Smith PR202). The skin colour of the man on the left was Cadmium Red and Raw Sienna with some Cerulean for the shaded areas. I think that's it although I've probably missed something out.
As this was at the AVA I used my Escoda and Isabey retractable brushes sizes 12 down to 4. I am fairly happy with the final result as I rarely do such subjects.
