plate no. 6257

Geraniums and Carnations

Eric Ravilious, 1938

oilMagic Realisminteriorgreenhouseflowersgeraniumscarnationsplantsinterior

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in perspective drawing and rendering translucent surfaces. It also encourages careful observation of subtle color variations in natural light.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic structure of the greenhouse interior, paying close attention to perspective lines.
step 02
Block in the main shapes of the shelves, plants, and other objects within the greenhouse.
step 03
Begin layering in the base colors for the walls, glass, and structural elements, using diluted washes.
step 04
Add the colors of the flowers and plants, working from light to dark and building up layers of color.
step 05
Define the details of the flower pots, leaves, and other small elements with finer brushstrokes.
step 06
Create the illusion of light and shadow by adding darker tones to areas in shadow and highlights to areas in direct light.
step 07
Refine the details and add any final touches to complete the painting.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · raw sienna · titanium white · cerulean blue

secondary · cadmium red light · sap green · burnt umber

Achieve the subtle greens by mixing cerulean blue and raw sienna. Dilute colors with water or medium to create translucent washes for the glass and light-filled areas.

techniques

·linear perspective
·glazing
·dry brushing
·color mixing
·layering

common pitfalls

→Incorrect perspective leading to a distorted composition.
→Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the original.
→Using colors that are too saturated and overpowering the subtle tones.
→Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating depth and dimension.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

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

optional

·ruler
·kneaded eraser
·watercolor pencils
·gouache

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for multiple layers of paint. Consider using masking tape to create clean edges around the painting.

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