plate no. 0873

On the Corner at Kožená, Prague

Maria Bozoky, 1992

watercolorExpressionismcityscapefigurebuildingscityscapewindowsdoorsstreet

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice loose watercolor washes and capturing the essence of a scene rather than precise detail. They will also learn to simplify complex architectural forms and use color to create depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the figure, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre or raw sienna to the background buildings.
step 03
Add darker washes of burnt sienna and red to the doors and windows, allowing colors to blend and bleed.
step 04
Paint the figure's coat with a mix of red and brown, using loose brushstrokes to suggest texture.
step 05
Use a darker mix of brown and black for the hat and scarf, adding subtle shadows.
step 06
Define the edges of the buildings and figure with a fine brush and a slightly darker color.
step 07
Add details like window panes and facial features with a fine brush and diluted paint.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely and add any final touches or corrections.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · red

secondary · black · purple · green

Mix burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the warm building tones. Use red and brown to create the figure's coat. Mix purple with green to create the window panes.

techniques