plate no. 3705
Ciudá lagui
Xul Solar, 1939
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating depth through color and value changes, as well as practicing stylized representation of architectural forms and landscapes. It also encourages experimentation with surrealist composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, hills, and sun, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition, including the placement of figures and other details.
- step 03
Begin applying base colors to the sky, hills, and buildings, using diluted washes of watercolor.
- step 04
Gradually build up layers of color to create depth and dimension, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
- step 05
Add details to the buildings, such as windows, ladders, and chimneys, using a fine brush.
- step 06
Paint the figures and other small elements, paying attention to their proportions and details.
- step 07
Refine the colors and values, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
- step 08
Add final details, such as the smoke, the ladder to the sun, and the texture of the hills.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · sap green · raw umber
Mix various shades of brown and ochre by combining burnt sienna, raw umber, and yellow ochre. Create muted greens by mixing sap green with raw umber and a touch of blue.
techniques
- ·watercolor washes
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the colors and losing the transparency of the watercolor.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source and creating inconsistent shadows.
- →Making the buildings too uniform and lacking in variety.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the sky and hills.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paints
- ·watercolor paper 140lb
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·pencil
- ·eraser
- ·masking tape
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·ruler
- ·watercolor pencils
Use high-quality watercolor paints and paper for best results. Experiment with different brush sizes and techniques to achieve the desired effects.
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