
plate no. 2689
Alfred Freddy Krupa, 2017
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering transparent washes and capturing reflections in water. It also provides practice in simplifying complex structures like bridges into basic shapes.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the bridge, trees, and riverbank.
Apply a light wash of yellow ochre across the entire sky and foreground.
Mix a pale green and wash it over the water area, leaving some white for highlights.
Add darker greens and browns to the trees and riverbank, creating depth.
Paint the bridge structure with a diluted green-grey, paying attention to the perspective.
Create the reflection of the bridge and trees in the water, using slightly darker and more blurred versions of the colors.
Add final details and highlights to the bridge and trees.
Let dry completely.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · sap green · raw umber
secondary · cerulean blue · burnt sienna
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and sap green. Use raw umber to create darker shades and shadows. Dilute colors with water for transparent washes.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
optional
Use good quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve varying levels of detail.
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