plate no. 5803
Aoba Castle, Sendai
Hasui Kawase, 1933
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to create depth and atmosphere using value and color temperature, as well as how to simplify complex architectural forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 7 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the horizon line.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of dark sky and the lighter tones of the buildings.
- step 03
Add the details of the roof tiles and architectural elements.
- step 04
Introduce the cloud shapes and the small star.
- step 05
Refine the shadows and highlights on the buildings to create form.
- step 06
Add the details of the path and the suggestion of foliage.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create the desired atmospheric effect.
color palette
primary · black · grey · cream · blue
secondary · brown · green
Mix various shades of grey by combining black and white, and add small amounts of blue or brown to adjust the temperature. Use a muted green for the foliage and grass.
techniques
- ·flat washes
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·geometric shapes
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details of the architecture.
- →Making the colors too saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
- →Not paying attention to the value relationships.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paper
- ·watercolor paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brush
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·pencil
- ·eraser
optional
- ·ruler
- ·masking tape
- ·watercolor pencils
Using high-quality watercolor paper will help prevent buckling and allow for better blending.
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