plate no. 0108

Tel Aviv/Jaffa

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsarchitectureskyurban

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose watercolor washes and expressive ink linework to define shapes and create depth. It also encourages experimentation with color and abstracting from reality.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the buildings, focusing on their relative positions.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted watercolor to the sky, blending oranges, reds, and yellows.
step 03
Begin adding washes of color to the buildings, using a variety of hues like blues, greens, oranges, and reds, keeping the colors relatively transparent.
step 04
Allow the washes to dry partially, then add darker values to create shadows and depth.
step 05
Use a fine-tipped pen or brush to outline the buildings and add details with black ink.
step 06
Experiment with varying the line weight to create emphasis and visual interest.
step 07
Add final touches of color and ink to refine the details and create a cohesive composition.
step 08
Evaluate and adjust the painting as needed, ensuring a balance of color, value, and line.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · cadmium red · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna

secondary · sap green · violet · orange

Mix various shades of browns and grays by combining complementary colors. Achieve vibrant oranges by mixing red and yellow. Dilute colors extensively for transparent washes.

techniques

·watercolor washes
·ink outlining
·color mixing
·layering
·wet-on-dry

common pitfalls

→Overworking the watercolor washes, resulting in muddy colors.
→Using too much water, causing the paper to buckle.
→Creating outlines that are too uniform and lack variation.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point.
→Not allowing washes to dry before adding ink, causing bleeding.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paper 140lb
·watercolor paints
·round watercolor brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
·black waterproof ink
·fine-tipped drawing pen
·water container
·palette

optional

·masking fluid
·palette knife
·kneaded eraser

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure vibrant colors. Experiment with different types of black ink to find one that suits your style.

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