plate no. 5801

The madrilenian

pencil, watercolor, paperRomanticismportraitfigureportraitclothingshadowwalking stick

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in watercolor washes, figure drawing, and capturing light and shadow with transparent layers. It also provides practice in depicting textures and details in clothing.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the figure's outline and major shapes, paying attention to proportions and pose.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted brown or ochre to the background to create a warm tone.
step 03
Begin layering washes of color on the figure, starting with the lightest tones and gradually building up darker values.
step 04
Focus on defining the shapes and folds of the clothing with subtle variations in color and value.
step 05
Use darker washes to create shadows and define the form of the figure.
step 06
Add details such as the facial features, buttons, and decorations on the clothing.
step 07
Use a fine brush to add delicate lines and details to the figure's face and clothing.
step 08
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black · sap green

Mix burnt sienna and ultramarine for the darker tones in the clothing and shadows. Use yellow ochre and raw umber for the skin tones and lighter areas of the clothing. Add a touch of ivory black to darken the colors and create depth.

techniques

·watercolor washes
·layering
·dry brush
·glazing
·wet-on-dry

common pitfalls

→overworking the colors
→muddying the washes
→losing the light and shadow
→not paying attention to proportions

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paints
·watercolor brushes (round and flat)
·watercolor paper
·pencil
·eraser
·water container
·palette

optional

·masking fluid
·palette knife
·ruler
·kneaded eraser

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for multiple washes. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various effects.

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