The main source of light would be the rising of the moon where the clouds lessen the amount of light as it goes farther out towards the sea. The lower division of the painting is quite dark, thanks to the light of the moon as it rises. You can tell due to the top part of the waters where the reflection of the light is seen that is soon to be enveloped by darkness due rising of the moon. This explains as to why the area near the figures and the rock is dark due to the shadows that would engulf them. As for the figures on the large rock, their faces are somewhat bright due to the fact that their bodies are facing towards the moon that gives off moonlight which explains why their backsides are dark due to their shadows. 

          The clouds were painted with soft lines which helps emphasize the main subject of the painting, the three figures staring off at the moonrise by the sea while sitting on a boulder. The rock and the figures have been painted with dark strokes with a rough texture compared to the clouds, moon, and the sea itself. As for the space of the figures in the painting, the lower division is quite crowded due to the many rocks visible there and the three figures sitting on top of a huge boulder. However, the upper division of the painting is quite spacious because it includes the ocean with the moon rising over it and the two ships on its course, relatively far away from land. 

          When I look at the painting, I feel a sense of calmness due to the color that Friedrich used. These three figures seem to be sharing a moment that only nature can offer to them, which is the natural way of the rising and setting of both the sun and moon in which this case, the moment of the moon setting. Based on my interpretation of the painting, the three figures may have gone there on their own will to enjoy the rising of the moon. It seems to me that they’re comfortable with each other’s presence.