plate no. 2713

The copyist

ink, watercolorArt Nouveau (Modern)illustrationbuildingsnowfigureiciclesarchitecturewinter

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in detailed line work, watercolor washes, and creating a sense of depth through value and color variations. It also provides practice in depicting architectural details and rendering a winter scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and architectural elements of the building and figure.
step 02
Outline the sketch with waterproof ink, paying attention to the details of the architecture and the figure's clothing.
step 03
Apply a light wash of diluted brown or ochre watercolor to the building's stone areas.
step 04
Add a light blue or gray wash to the snow-covered roofs and icicles.
step 05
Paint the figure's red hood and details with a more saturated red watercolor.
step 06
Use darker shades of gray and black to create shadows and depth in the building and figure.
step 07
Add details like the crow, the statue, and the laboratory equipment with fine brushstrokes.
step 08
Refine the details and add highlights with white or light-colored watercolor.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · payne's gray · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue

Mix browns with burnt umber and a touch of black. Create grays by mixing black and white, adding a touch of blue for a cooler tone. Achieve the snow color by diluting white with a hint of blue.

techniques