plate no. 2151
Amsterdam. The Old Warehouses.
Anna Ostroumova-Lebedeva, 1913
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing reflections and simplifying complex architectural forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and atmospheric scene.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, water, and sky, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the waterline.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas for the buildings, using a diluted wash.
- step 04
Add darker tones to define the shadows and architectural details.
- step 05
Paint the reflections in the water, mirroring the colors and shapes of the buildings above.
- step 06
Add details to the windows and other architectural elements.
- step 07
Refine the sky and water, adding subtle color variations.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to create depth and interest.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre
Mix burnt umber and ultramarine blue for the darker building tones. Use raw sienna and yellow ochre for the lighter areas. Add a touch of cadmium red to warm up the roof colors.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·dry brush texture
- ·layering
- ·color mixing
- ·reflection techniques
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive style.
- →Making the reflections too literal and symmetrical.
- →Using colors straight from the tube without mixing.
- →Not establishing a clear value structure.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paper 140lb
- ·watercolor paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brush
- ·water container
- ·palette
- ·paper towels
- ·pencil
optional
- ·masking fluid
- ·palette knife
- ·ruler
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve varying levels of detail.
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