plate no. 2093

La Dogana

Henri-Edmond Cross, 1903

watercolorPost-Impressionismlandscapewaterbuildingboatsskyarchitecturelandscape

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning how to simplify complex scenes and capture the essence of light and form using loose watercolor washes. Students can develop skills in color mixing and layering to create depth and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the building, boats, and horizon line.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre to the sky and building areas.
step 03
Mix a pale blue-purple and apply it to the sky, creating cloud shapes.
step 04
Paint the water with varying shades of blue, adding darker blues and greens for shadows and reflections.
step 05
Use a darker purple-blue to define the building's structure and the boats.
step 06
Add details to the building and boats with a fine brush, using darker colors for outlines and shadows.
step 07
Introduce small touches of orange and yellow to the sails and building details.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely and add final touches and adjustments as needed.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

secondary · purple · sap green

Mix ultramarine blue with a touch of burnt sienna to create the various shades of purple. Use yellow ochre diluted for the sky and building, and mix it with small amounts of blue or sienna to create variations in tone.

techniques