
plate no. 8946
Thomas Girtin, 1802
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective drawing and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in creating subtle color variations to depict light and shadow on architectural forms.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Lightly sketch the basic perspective lines of the street and buildings, focusing on the vanishing point.
Establish the horizon line and the placement of the arch.
Block in the main shapes of the buildings, paying attention to their relative sizes and proportions.
Mix a range of light and dark tones using a limited palette of earth tones and white.
Begin applying washes of color to the sky and the street, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features, using a fine brush.
Use dry brush techniques to add texture and create a sense of age and decay on the buildings.
Add small figures in the distance to create a sense of scale and activity.
color palette
primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre
Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with white and small amounts of Payne's gray. Use more white for highlights and less for shadows.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
optional
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for multiple washes. A limited palette will help to create a harmonious and unified color scheme.
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