plate no. 0186

Rouen

watercolor, paperRomanticismcityscapecityscapeboatswaterskybuildingsfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and watercolor layering techniques to create depth and mood. It will also improve their ability to suggest detail rather than rendering every element precisely.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of major elements like the buildings and boats.
step 02
Apply a thin, diluted wash of yellow ochre and burnt sienna to the sky, creating a warm, hazy atmosphere.
step 03
While the sky wash is still damp, add slightly darker washes of the same colors to suggest clouds and variations in the sky.
step 04
Begin layering washes for the buildings and boats, starting with light grays and browns and gradually building up darker values.
step 05
Use a fine brush to add details to the buildings and boats, such as windows, masts, and rigging.
step 06
Create the water with horizontal washes of brown and gray, reflecting the colors of the sky and the surrounding objects.
step 07
Add small figures and details to the boats to create a sense of scale and activity.
step 08
Use dry brush techniques to add texture and highlights to the boats and buildings.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · raw umber

secondary · payne's gray · ivory black · titanium white

Achieve the atmospheric haze by diluting colors with plenty of water. Mix browns and grays by combining the primary colors with black or gray. Use white sparingly to create highlights.

techniques

·watercolor washes
·dry brush
·atmospheric perspective
·layering
·suggested detail

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, atmospheric quality.
→Using colors that are too saturated and bright.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and distance.
→Making the initial sketch too detailed and rigid.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paints
·watercolor paper 140lb
·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
·flat brush (size 1/2 inch)
·water container
·palette
·masking tape
·sketching pencil

optional

·palette knife
·kneaded eraser
·ruler

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for multiple washes. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various effects.

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