plate no. 3856
Figures by a Rock Pool
suitable for beginners
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering transparent washes and simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also encourages observation of light and shadow to create depth.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the large rock formation, the figures, and the waterline.
- step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre and burnt sienna to the rock formation, leaving some areas white for highlights.
- step 03
Mix a light blue wash and apply it to the sky and water, varying the intensity for depth.
- step 04
Add darker washes of burnt umber and indigo to create shadows and define the shapes of the rocks.
- step 05
Paint the figures with simple shapes and colors, using a mix of yellow, blue, and brown.
- step 06
Add details to the rocks, such as cracks and crevices, using a fine brush and darker colors.
- step 07
Refine the water with darker blues and greens to create ripples and reflections.
- step 08
Add final touches and highlights to the figures and rocks to create a sense of depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt umber · indigo · raw sienna
Mix yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the rocks, adding more burnt sienna for shadows. Use ultramarine blue diluted with water for the sky and water. Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for darker shadows.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·layering washes
- ·dry brush texture
- ·color mixing
- ·simplifying forms
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the washes, leading to muddy colors.
- →Not leaving enough white space for highlights.
- →Making the colors too saturated.
- →Losing the sense of light and shadow.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·Watercolor paper 140lb
- ·Watercolor paints (yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, indigo)
- ·Round watercolor brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
- ·Water container
- ·Palette
- ·Pencil
- ·Eraser
optional
- ·Masking fluid
- ·Palette knife
- ·Spray bottle
Use good quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve different effects.
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