
plate no. 2097
This painting is great for practicing loose watercolor washes and expressive line work. Students will learn to simplify complex scenes and capture the essence of a place with minimal detail.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and street, focusing on proportions and perspective.
Apply a light wash of diluted brown or grey watercolor to define the street and building shadows.
Add washes of color to the buildings, using a limited palette of yellows, reds, and blues.
While the washes are still damp, add darker values to create depth and form.
Use a fine-tipped pen or brush to add expressive line work, defining edges and adding details.
Add details to the figures with simple lines and washes.
Suggest foliage with loose, gestural strokes of green and brown watercolor.
Allow the painting to dry completely, then add any final touches or corrections.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · cerulean blue · raw umber
secondary · sap green · payne's grey
Mix browns and greys by combining the primary colors. Use plenty of water to achieve transparent washes.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
optional
Use a good quality watercolor paper that can withstand multiple washes. Experiment with different types of pens and brushes to find what works best for you.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides