plate no. 0799

Memories of Prague

mixed mediaExpressionismlandscapebuildingtreeslandscapearchitecturegardensky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose watercolor washes and expressive linework to capture a sense of place. It will also encourage experimentation with layering and mark-making.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the building, trees, and foreground elements.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre or raw sienna over the entire paper.
step 03
Begin adding the greens for the foliage, using a wet-on-wet technique to blend the colors.
step 04
Paint the building with a mix of burnt sienna and a touch of red, leaving some areas lighter for highlights.
step 05
Add the darker details of the trees and shadows with a mix of burnt umber and indigo.
step 06
Use a fine-tipped pen or brush to add expressive linework to define shapes and add texture.
step 07
Introduce hints of blue in the sky and architectural details.
step 08
Review and adjust values and details to achieve the desired mood.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · sap green

secondary · indigo · raw umber · cadmium red light

Mix greens by blending yellow ochre with indigo or sap green. Achieve the building's color by mixing burnt sienna with a touch of red. Dilute colors significantly for washes.

techniques