plate no. 3987

Columbus Circle (New York)

Maurice Prendergast, 1903

watercolor, paperPost-Impressionismgenre paintingcityscapefiguresstreet scenebuildingsparadestorefronts

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing a complex scene with loose, expressive brushstrokes and creating depth through layering of washes. It also encourages simplification of details to convey the overall impression of a bustling urban environment.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the general placement of the figures.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted blue and brown to establish the base tones for the buildings and street.
step 03
Add slightly darker washes to define the shadows and architectural details of the storefronts.
step 04
Begin painting the figures with loose, gestural strokes, focusing on capturing their movement and interaction.
step 05
Use brighter colors and bolder strokes to highlight key areas of interest, such as the umbrellas and flags.
step 06
Layer additional washes to build depth and create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add final details, such as the lettering on the storefronts and the outlines of the figures.
step 08
Evaluate and adjust the overall composition, adding or subtracting details as needed.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · sap green

Mix various shades of blue and brown to create the muted tones of the buildings. Use red and yellow to add pops of color to the figures and decorations. Dilute colors with water to achieve transparent washes.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·dry brush texture
·layering washes
·color mixing
·gestural brushstrokes

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality of the original.
→Using colors that are too saturated and overpowering.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Not simplifying the complex scene enough.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paper 140lb
·watercolor paints
·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
·palette
·water container
·paper towels
·pencil
·eraser

optional

·masking fluid
·ruler
·spray bottle

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for multiple washes. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve a variety of textures and effects.

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