plate no. 8905

On a Balcony in Tarusa

Victor Borisov-Musatov, 1905

watercolor, paperArt Nouveau (Modern)sketch and studybalconycolumnstreesfoliagelandscapearchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in watercolor layering and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering architectural elements within a natural setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, including the columns, railing, and the distant landscape.
step 02
Begin with a light wash of diluted yellow ochre and raw sienna across the entire paper to establish the warm undertones.
step 03
Layer in the sky and distant landscape using diluted blues and greens, focusing on soft edges.
step 04
Paint the columns with a mix of grey and brown, adding subtle variations in tone to suggest form.
step 05
Add the foliage using a variety of greens, yellows, and reds, using small brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Define the railing with a darker brown, paying attention to the perspective.
step 07
Add details like leaves on the floor and vines on the columns.
step 08
Refine the painting by adding shadows and highlights to create depth.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · sap green · cadmium red light · payne's gray

Achieve the muted greens by mixing yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Create the various browns by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and a touch of blue. Use lots of water to keep the colors transparent.

techniques