plate no. 1596

Landscape with a Windmill and Village

watercolor, paperRomanticismlandscapelandscapeskycloudstreesfieldswindmill

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing watercolor washes and creating atmospheric perspective. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the horizon line, the hill, and the basic shapes of the trees and windmill.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted blue and violet for the sky, leaving some areas white for clouds.
step 03
Mix a light green and brown wash for the distant fields, applying it loosely.
step 04
Add a darker green and brown wash for the foreground fields, varying the tones.
step 05
Paint the trees with a mix of brown and green, using short, broken strokes to suggest foliage.
step 06
Add details to the windmill with a fine brush, using light gray and white.
step 07
Create shadows under the trees and on the fields to add depth.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the clouds and landscape.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · raw umber · sap green

secondary · violet · burnt sienna · white

Mix blues and violets for the sky, greens and browns for the fields, and use white to lighten the tones. Use a lot of water to keep the colors transparent.

techniques