plate no. 6651
Epitaph
Kuzmá Petrov-Vodkin, 1904
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering washes and creating form with subtle value changes. It will also help with understanding how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure and background.
- step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted blue to the background.
- step 03
Begin layering washes of color to define the figure's face, hat, and clothing.
- step 04
Use darker washes to create shadows and define the forms.
- step 05
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- step 06
Refine the shapes and values of the clothing and hat.
- step 07
Add final details to the background, such as the trees.
- step 08
Allow to dry completely.
color palette
primary · Prussian blue · Burnt umber · Titanium white
secondary · Yellow ochre · Cadmium red
Mix Prussian blue with burnt umber and white for the blues and grays. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red sparingly to warm the skin tones.
techniques
- ·Layering washes
- ·Dry brushing
- ·Color mixing
- ·Simplifying forms
- ·Creating subtle value changes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the washes
- →Using too much water
- →Not allowing layers to dry completely
- →Getting the proportions wrong
- →Making the colors too saturated
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
- ·Palette knife
- ·Watercolor pencils
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve different effects.
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