plate no. 0938

Lady With Red Earring

watercolor, paperImpressionismgenre paintingfigurewomanchairportraitearringdress

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in capturing form with loose washes and suggestive details. Students will learn to simplify shapes and create a sense of light and shadow using watercolor techniques.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the figure and chair.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre and raw sienna to the skin areas.
step 03
Add a darker wash of ultramarine and burnt umber to the background, leaving some areas lighter.
step 04
Build up the shadows on the figure with layers of diluted burnt umber and ultramarine.
step 05
Paint the dress with a mix of white and a touch of blue and green, allowing the colors to blend on the paper.
step 06
Add details to the chair with a darker mix of burnt umber and ultramarine.
step 07
Use a small brush to add the red earring and other small details.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely and add any final touches.

color palette

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

secondary · white · red

Mix ultramarine and burnt umber for the dark background and shadows. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna for the skin tones, diluting with water to create lighter washes. Add a touch of red for the earring.

techniques

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

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the washes.
→Using too much water and creating muddy colors.
→Not allowing the layers to dry completely before adding more washes.
→Being too precise with details and losing the impressionistic feel.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·Watercolor paints
·Watercolor paper 140lb
·Round watercolor brushes (various sizes)
·Palette
·Water container
·Paper towels
·Pencil
·Eraser

optional

·Masking fluid
·Palette knife
·Spray bottle

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for better blending. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various effects.

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