plate no. 1184
The Mansard Roof
Edward Hopper, 1923
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in watercolor layering and capturing light and shadow to define form. It also encourages simplification of complex architectural details into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the house and surrounding foliage, paying attention to perspective.
- step 02
Begin with a light wash of diluted blue for the sky and the shaded areas of the house.
- step 03
Add a light wash of yellow to the awning and any areas catching sunlight.
- step 04
Layer darker values to define shadows and architectural details, using a mix of blues, browns, and greens.
- step 05
Use dry brush techniques to create texture in the foliage and on the roof.
- step 06
Add details to the windows and railings, using a fine brush.
- step 07
Refine the shadows and highlights to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna · burnt umber
secondary · yellow ochre · viridian green
Mix ultramarine blue with burnt umber to create various shades of gray for the house. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna for the awning and warm highlights. Combine viridian green with burnt umber for natural greens.
techniques
- ·watercolor washes
- ·dry brush
- ·layering
- ·value studies
- ·perspective drawing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the watercolor.
- →Creating mud by over-mixing colors.
- →Not allowing washes to dry completely before layering.
- →Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in defining form.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paints
- ·watercolor paper 140lb
- ·round watercolor brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat watercolor brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
- ·pencil
optional
- ·masking fluid
- ·ruler
- ·kneaded eraser
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for layering. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various effects.
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