plate no. 5707

Hommage to classic

Alfred Freddy Krupa, 2017

watercolorPost-Impressionismlandscapetreessnowlandscapewatershadowspark

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering watercolor washes and creating soft, diffused shadows. It also provides practice in painting bare tree branches and reflections in water.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 4 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: trees, water edge, and distant background.
step 02
Apply a very light wash of diluted yellow ochre and pink to the sky and snow areas.
step 03
Paint the distant trees and reflections with a diluted mix of green and brown, using a wet-on-wet technique.
step 04
Layer in the darker values of the tree trunks and branches using a mix of indigo and burnt umber.
step 05
Add the shadows on the snow with a diluted blue-gray mix, paying attention to their soft edges.
step 06
Refine the details of the tree branches and reflections with a smaller brush.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to the snow and water to create depth.
step 08
Allow to dry completely.

color palette

primary · indigo · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · pink · sap green · ultramarine blue

Mix indigo and burnt umber for the tree trunks and branches. Dilute yellow ochre with pink for the sky and snow. Use ultramarine blue and a touch of burnt umber for the shadows.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·layering washes
·dry brush texture
·lifting color
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Using too much water, which can lead to uncontrolled blooms.
→Making the shadows too dark and harsh.
→Overworking the details, which can make the painting look stiff.
→Not allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·Watercolor paints (indigo, burnt umber, yellow ochre, pink, sap green, ultramarine blue)
·Watercolor paper (140lb cold press)
·Round watercolor brushes (sizes #4, #8)
·Flat watercolor brush (size #12)
·Water container
·Palette
·Paper towels
·Masking tape