plate no. 3968

Salt Kettle, Bermuda

graphite, watercolor, paperRealismcityscapebuildingswaterskycloudstreesboats

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in capturing light and reflections in water, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. Students will learn to create depth using washes of color and varying brushstrokes.

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: buildings, shoreline, and cloud formations.
step 02
Apply a light wash of blue for the sky, allowing it to blend and create variations in tone.
step 03
Paint the water with a diluted blue, capturing the reflections of the buildings and sky.
step 04
Add darker blues and purples to the water to define the ripples and shadows.
step 05
Paint the buildings with a light ochre or beige, adding shadows to define their form.
step 06
Use greens and browns to paint the trees and foliage, varying the intensity of the colors.
step 07
Add details such as boats and shoreline features with small brushstrokes.
step 08
Refine the painting by adding highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

secondary · alizarin crimson · sap green

Mix blues and browns for the sky and water shadows. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the buildings. Add alizarin crimson to the clouds for a subtle pink hue.

techniques