plate no. 6594

Sofia

Yuriy Khymych, 1958

watercolorRealismcityscapecityscapearchitecturetreesbuildingsskywater

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering transparent washes and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering complex shapes with simplified 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, trees, and the horizon line.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted grey/blue for the sky.
step 03
Paint the distant buildings with a very diluted grey/blue wash, focusing on the overall shapes.
step 04
Begin layering washes for the trees, using browns, greys, and purples. Allow each layer to dry slightly before adding the next.
step 05
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features, using darker values.
step 06
Paint the foreground with a mix of browns, greens, and blues, creating a sense of depth and texture.
step 07
Add final details to the trees, such as branches and twigs, using a fine brush.
step 08
Adjust values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna

secondary · sap green · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson

Mix greys by combining ultramarine blue and burnt umber. Create various shades of brown by mixing burnt umber with raw sienna and a touch of blue or red.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·dry brush texture
·layering washes
·atmospheric perspective
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the watercolor.
→Using too much water and creating muddy colors.
→Not allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

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

optional

·palette knife
·gouache (white)
·spray bottle

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure good color absorption. Experiment with different brush sizes and techniques to achieve desired effects.

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