plate no. 4796

Rainbow

Konstantin Bogaevsky, 1931

watercolor, paperSymbolismlandscapetreeslakerainbowlandscapecloudsmountains

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering watercolor washes and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in painting trees and reflections in water.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the horizon line, the trees, the lake, and the distant mountains.
step 02
Apply a light wash of blue and gray for the sky, blending the colors to create soft clouds.
step 03
Paint the rainbow with diluted colors, layering them to build intensity.
step 04
Add a light wash of yellow ochre and burnt sienna to the distant mountains.
step 05
Paint the trees with varying shades of green and brown, using a dry brush technique for texture.
step 06
Create the lake with horizontal strokes of blue and green, adding reflections of the trees and sky.
step 07
Add details to the foreground with darker greens and browns, suggesting grass and rocks.
step 08
Refine the details and add highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · sap green

secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · raw umber

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Use diluted washes for the sky and distant elements. Create depth by layering colors and varying their intensity.

techniques