plate no. 2367
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose watercolor washes and capturing light and shadow to suggest form rather than precise detail. It also encourages simplification and expressive brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
- step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre and burnt sienna to the entire paper to create a warm undertone.
- step 03
Begin with the lightest areas, using clean water to lift color and create highlights on the face and dress.
- step 04
Layer in darker washes of burnt umber and indigo for the shadows and background, allowing the colors to blend wet-on-wet.
- step 05
Use a slightly drier brush to add texture and details to the hair and dress.
- step 06
Define the edges of the figure and clothing with darker, more concentrated washes.
- step 07
Add final touches of color and detail, such as the blue in the hat and the red in the ear.
- step 08
Let the painting dry completely and assess the values and composition, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · burnt umber
secondary · indigo · payne's gray
Achieve the various browns and grays by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and indigo. Dilute with water for lighter washes and use more pigment for darker values.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·lifting color
- ·dry brush
- ·glazing
- ·value control
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the watercolor.
- →Using too much water and creating muddy colors.
- →Not allowing the washes to dry completely before adding subsequent layers.
- →Focusing too much on detail and neglecting the overall composition and values.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb cold press
required
- ·Watercolor paper 140lb cold press
- ·Watercolor paints (yellow ochre, burnt sienna, burnt umber, indigo)
- ·Round watercolor brushes (sizes #4, #8, #12)
- ·Palette for mixing paints
- ·Water container
- ·Paper towels
- ·Pencil
- ·Eraser
optional
- ·Masking fluid
- ·Spray bottle
- ·Palette knife
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure vibrant colors. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various effects.
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