Low Tide and Blue Boats at Tenby Harbour

The light at Tenby is always a treat for a painter. In this scene, the tide was right out, leaving the boats sitting on the sandy harbour floor. I wanted to capture that feeling of a quiet afternoon when everything is still. The tall harbour wall on the right creates a big, strong shape that helps lead your eye right into the middle of the painting where the main boat sits.

I often get asked how to make a white boat look real without using too much white paint. The secret is in the shadows. I used a mix of Cobalt Blue and a little bit of Neutral Tint to paint the shaded side of the cabin. By leaving the paper white for the parts where the sun hits, the boat really starts to pop out against the darker background. It is all about the contrast between the light and the dark areas.

For the hull of the main boat, I chose a deep Ultramarine Blue. I like how this strong blue looks against the warm, sandy colours of the harbour floor. To paint the ground, I used a wash of Yellow Ochre and Burnt Sienna. While the paper was still damp, I added some little dots of thicker paint to show the stones and the bits of seaweed left behind by the sea. It gives the ground some texture without needing to paint every single pebble.

The figure in the middle was a late addition. I painted him as a simple silhouette using a dark blue mix. Having a person in the scene gives the painting a sense of scale. It makes you feel like you are standing right there on the sand, looking up at those tall walls and masts. I finished the piece with a few tiny touches of white paint for the highlights on the railings and the tops of the masts.

This original watercolour painting of Tenby is currently for sale. If you would like to own this piece or want more details about it, please do contact me. I am always happy to chat about my work and help you find the right painting for your home.