plate no. 7278

Anna-Maria Island, Florida

David Burliuk, 1948

watercolor, paperRealismlandscapebeachcloudstreeshousesroadsky

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing watercolor washes and layering techniques to create depth and atmosphere. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes by focusing on basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, including the horizon line, road, buildings, and trees.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted blue and yellow for the sky, allowing the colors to blend and create soft cloud formations.
step 03
Paint the ocean with a light green-blue wash, leaving some areas lighter to represent highlights.
step 04
Add a base layer of yellow ochre for the road and sandy areas.
step 05
Layer greens and browns for the vegetation, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Paint the buildings with light washes of beige and brown, adding details like windows and roofs.
step 07
Add the palm trees using a combination of greens and browns, paying attention to the direction of the fronds.
step 08
Add final details and shadows to enhance depth and realism.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · sap green

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · raw umber

Mix blues and yellows for various greens, add a touch of burnt sienna to yellow ochre for earth tones, and use diluted blues and purples for shadows in the clouds.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·dry brush texture
·layering washes
·creating soft edges
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the washes, leading to muddy colors.
→Using too much water, causing the paper to buckle.
→Not allowing layers to dry completely before adding new ones.
→Failing to simplify the scene and getting bogged down in details.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paints
·watercolor paper (140lb)
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brush
·palette
·water container
·paper towels
·pencil

optional

·masking fluid
·palette knife
·kneaded eraser

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for better blending. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various effects.

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