plate no. 2797
A Moment's Rest
Achille Beltrame, 1937
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict figures in a landscape and how to create atmospheric perspective using watercolor techniques. It provides practice in layering washes and creating soft edges.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and figures, paying attention to proportions and placement.
- step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted blue and grey for the sky and distant hills.
- step 03
Add a light green wash for the grassy hillside, leaving some areas lighter for highlights.
- step 04
Begin layering washes of color for the figures, starting with the lightest tones and gradually building up the darker shadows.
- step 05
Paint the tree foliage with varied greens, using a dry brush technique for texture.
- step 06
Add details to the figures' clothing and faces, using small brushes and careful strokes.
- step 07
Reinforce shadows and highlights to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final details like the basket, sticks, and small objects in the foreground.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
secondary · alizarin crimson · raw umber · sap green
Mix blues and greys for the sky and distant hills. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the grassy areas, and mix in alizarin crimson for the figures' skin tones and clothing. Create various greens by mixing blues and yellows.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·dry brush texture
- ·layering washes
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the washes, leading to muddy colors.
- →Making the figures too stiff or unnatural.
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
- →Not allowing washes to dry completely before layering.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paints
- ·watercolor paper 140lb
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
- ·flat brush (size 1/2 inch)
- ·water container
- ·palette
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·masking fluid
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·watercolor pencils
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure vibrant colors. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various effects.
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