
plate no. 5927
David Cox, 1829
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and loose watercolor washes. It also provides practice in capturing architectural details with simplified brushstrokes.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
Apply a light wash of diluted blue/gray for the sky, allowing it to dry.
Using a larger brush, apply a diluted warm brown wash for the street and lower portions of the buildings.
Begin adding darker values to the buildings using blues, browns, and grays, focusing on shadows and architectural details.
Use a smaller brush to add details to the windows, signs, and figures.
Add highlights with a slightly damp brush to lift color and create a sense of light.
Use a fine brush to add details of the figures on the street.
Allow to dry completely.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna
secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre · white (for lifting)
Mix blues and browns to create various shades of gray for the buildings. Dilute colors significantly for washes. Use more pigment for darker details.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
optional
Use good quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve varied effects.
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