Living in Scotland I am spoilt for choice when looking for a harbour scene to paint. I don’t have to travel far from my home in Fife before I’m set up and ready to paint. If there isn’t enough time to paint on the spot, I take lots of photos that I can work on at a later date. My subject for this demo is Dysart Harbour using one of those photos (below). It is such a lovely place with lots of views to paint. It has even featured in the Outlander TV series.
When choosing a photo as your painting subject, it’s worth remembering that the prettiest views don’t always make the best subject to paint. They might be overly complex, for example, having countless white yachts moored row after row. Look for a stand-out subject and do what you can to simplify
whatever is in the background, and focus on includng just the essence of the place. Say enough to tell your story without labouring over absolutely everything in the photo you took.
I strongly recommend working from your own photos when you can. The painting you produce will mean so much more to you and have memories of the day you were there.