plate no. 1849

St. Goarhausen on the Rhine Between Koblenz and Mainz

watercolor, gouacheRomanticismlandscaperock formationtreesriverlandscapefoliagesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering watercolor washes to create depth and texture, and in using dry brush techniques to depict the ruggedness of the rocks. Students will also learn how to simplify complex natural forms into basic shapes and values.

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 trees, and the riverbank.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre and raw sienna to the sky and the lighter areas of the rock formation and riverbank.
step 03
Begin layering washes of blues and grays to define the shadows and crevices in the rock formation, allowing some of the initial wash to show through.
step 04
Add washes of greens and browns to the trees and foliage, varying the intensity to create depth and texture.
step 05
Use a dry brush technique with darker browns and grays to add texture and detail to the rocks.
step 06
Paint the river with blues and grays, suggesting reflections and movement.
step 07
Add details to the foreground, such as grasses and small rocks, using a fine brush.
step 08
Refine the overall composition by adding highlights and shadows where needed.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

secondary · raw umber · sap green · payne's gray

Mix blues and browns to create various shades of gray for the rocks. Combine yellow ochre and sap green for natural-looking foliage. Use diluted washes for lighter tones and build up intensity with multiple layers.

techniques