plate no. 6648

Ruins of the Crusaders’ Banqueting Hall, Athleet

oilRomanticismlandscaperuinssealandscaperocksskymountains

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in layering watercolor washes to build depth and form, and using dry brush techniques to create texture in the rocks. Students will also learn to simplify complex shapes and capture atmospheric perspective.

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 rock formation, the sea, and the distant mountains.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted blue for the sky, fading towards the horizon.
step 03
Paint the sea with a mix of blues and greens, using horizontal strokes to suggest the water's surface.
step 04
Begin layering washes of browns, oranges, and reds on the rock formation, building up darker values in the shadows.
step 05
Use a dry brush technique with darker browns and reds to add texture and detail to the rocks.
step 06
Paint the distant mountains with a diluted purple or gray wash to create atmospheric perspective.
step 07
Add small details like the birds in the sky and any visible cracks or crevices in the rocks.
step 08
Allow each layer to dry before applying the next to prevent muddiness.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · raw umber

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · violet

Mix burnt sienna and ultramarine blue for various shades of brown and gray. Dilute colors significantly for washes. Use red and yellow ochre sparingly for highlights on the rocks.

techniques