plate no. 5891
Street Scene, Cairo
John Varley II, 1880
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective drawing and atmospheric perspective, as well as color mixing to achieve realistic skin tones and architectural details.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the mosque, paying attention to perspective.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing points.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas for the sky, buildings, and ground using diluted washes.
- step 04
Add details to the buildings, including windows, balconies, and architectural features.
- step 05
Paint the figures in the foreground, focusing on their shapes and colors.
- step 06
Develop the shadows and highlights to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Add final details such as textures and patterns on the buildings.
- step 08
Glaze with thin washes to unify the painting and adjust values.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · raw umber · cadmium red light · ivory black
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use ultramarine blue to create atmospheric perspective in the sky and distant buildings.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·linear perspective
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·washes
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect perspective can ruin the sense of depth.
- →Overworking the details can make the painting look stiff.
- →Using colors that are too saturated can make the painting look unrealistic.
- →Ignoring the values can flatten the image.
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
- ·masking tape
- ·sketching pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·gouache
- ·watercolor pencils
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure good color absorption. Consider using masking tape to create clean edges.
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