plate no. 3266

Lisbon (Portugal christmas card to Harold Weston)

Carlos Botelho, 1963

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingshousesskyarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose watercolor washes and expressive line work to define architectural forms. It also encourages experimentation with color layering and simplification of complex scenes.

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 and composition of the buildings and sky.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted watercolor to the sky area, blending blues and purples.
step 03
Using a larger brush, apply initial washes of color to the buildings, focusing on the overall color scheme.
step 04
Layer additional washes of color to create depth and variation in the buildings.
step 05
Use a smaller brush to add details such as windows, roofs, and architectural features.
step 06
Incorporate darker lines and shadows using a fine brush or pen to define edges and add contrast.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the overall composition.
step 08
Allow to dry completely.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · raw umber

secondary · purple · light green · yellow ochre

Mix blues and purples for the sky. Create various shades of browns and grays by mixing burnt sienna, raw umber, and ultramarine blue. Use diluted washes for lighter tones and more concentrated mixes for darker areas.

techniques