Harbour at First Light (in progress) by Reza Daryakenari, an original painting being created

Watch art being made

In creation

Harbour at First Light (in progress)

by Reza Daryakenari

Expected completion: Late August 2026

Make an offerFollow this artwork

An original oil painting being made in the VanArtHub studio in Vancouver. This is a work in progress: you can follow it from the first sketch to the finished canvas, and send the artist an offer before it is done. This is a sample listing to show the “Watch Art Being Made” page.

Artist statement

I paint quiet coastal mornings, the moment before a working harbour wakes up. I want the viewer to feel the cold air and the first warm light at the same time.

The idea and the inspiration

The idea came from early walks along the docks in winter, when the water is still and the light is low and gold. I wanted to hold that short moment before the boats go out.

How this piece is being made

I build the painting in thin oil layers, starting cool and adding warmth as it goes. Each step below is a real stage in that process.

Details

Technical details

Medium
Oil on canvas
Style
Impressionist
Artist
Reza Daryakenari
Year
2026

Expected completion: Late August 2026

Suggested price range: $900 to $1,400

The making of this piece, step by step

Follow Reza Daryakenari's progress from the first sketch to the finished canvas.

  1. First sketch and composition

    Harbour at First Light (in progress) in progress: First sketch and composition by Reza Daryakenari

    I start with a loose charcoal sketch to set the horizon line and the balance between sky and water.

    About 20% complete at this step

  2. Blocking in the color

    Harbour at First Light (in progress) in progress: Blocking in the color by Reza Daryakenari

    The first layers of oil go down. I keep the early passes thin so the light can build up slowly.

    About 45% complete at this step

  3. Refining the light and detail

    Harbour at First Light (in progress) in progress: Refining the light and detail by Reza Daryakenari

    Now I work into the reflections on the water and warm up the first light on the boats.

    About 60% complete at this step

Make an offer

Like this piece before it is finished? Send the artist your offer. Submitting an offer does not buy the work. The sale is only final after the artist or gallery reviews your offer and confirms it with you by email.

We reply by email. Free 14-day returns and a Certificate of Authenticity apply to every finished original.

Questions about this work in progress

How did the idea for this work come about?

The idea came from early walks along the docks in winter, when the water is still and the light is low and gold. I wanted to hold that short moment before the boats go out.

What technique and materials does the artist use?

Reza Daryakenari is working in Oil on canvas, in a Impressionist style. Full size, medium and materials are listed in the details on this page.

When will the piece be finished?

The artist expects to finish around Late August 2026. Follow this artwork to be told the moment it is complete.

Can I buy this artwork before it is finished?

Yes. You can send the artist an offer before the work is finished using the "Make an offer" form on this page. An offer is a request, not a purchase. The sale is final only after the artist or gallery reviews your offer and confirms it with you by email.

Can I follow the artwork as it is completed?

Yes. Use "Follow this artwork" to get an email each time the artist adds a new step and when the piece is complete. No offer is needed to follow.

How do I send a price offer?

Fill in the "Make an offer" form with your offer amount, name, email and delivery city. We review every offer, coordinate with the artist, and reply by email. Every finished original ships with free 14-day returns and a Certificate of Authenticity.