plate no. 7913

Karin and Kersti

watercolor, paperArt Nouveau (Modern)portraitfiguresinteriorportraitsclockbedwallpaper

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering watercolor washes to build depth and form, as well as capturing realistic skin tones and fabric textures. It also offers practice in rendering complex patterns and details within an interior setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main figures and key elements of the interior (bed, clock, pictures) using a pencil.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted raw sienna or yellow ochre to the entire paper to create a warm underpainting.
step 03
Begin layering washes of color on the figures, starting with the lightest tones and gradually building up the darker areas. Pay attention to the direction of light.
step 04
Paint the mother's dress using a mix of burnt umber and indigo, layering washes to create depth and shadow.
step 05
Render the child's dress with delicate washes of blue and gray, adding subtle details to the fabric.
step 06
Paint the background wallpaper with a light wash of yellow ochre and add the floral pattern using a fine brush and diluted brown paint.
step 07
Add details to the clock, pictures, and other interior elements, paying attention to their shapes and textures.
step 08
Refine the details of the faces, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · raw sienna · burnt umber · indigo · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · titanium white · payne's gray

Mix browns and grays by combining burnt umber, indigo, and a touch of red or yellow. Achieve skin tones by mixing raw sienna, cadmium red, and white, adjusting the proportions to create different shades.

techniques

·watercolor washes
·layering
·dry brushing
·glazing
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the washes, resulting in muddy colors.
→Not allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
→Failing to capture the subtle variations in skin tones.
→Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·Watercolor paper (140lb cold press)
·Watercolor paints (tubes or pans)
·Round watercolor brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
·Palette for mixing paints
·Water container
·Paper towels
·Pencil (2B or HB)
·Eraser

optional

·Masking fluid
·Palette knife
·Watercolor pencils

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure that the colors blend smoothly. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various effects.

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