plate no. 3388
The One Forgotten, Sketch for 'Madeline in London'
Ludwig Bemelmans, 1961
some experience helpful
This painting helps students practice simplified shapes and forms, and encourages experimentation with line work and watercolor washes. Recreating it will develop skills in composition and color mixing for a whimsical style.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main elements: horse, building, and general garden layout.
- step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted purple/gray for the sky and background.
- step 03
Paint the horse with a gray wash, leaving highlights.
- step 04
Add the building using a darker gray, defining windows and roof.
- step 05
Block in the general shapes of the flowers with diluted color washes.
- step 06
Use a fine-tipped pen to outline all the shapes and add details to the flowers, leaves, and building.
- step 07
Add small details like dots and squiggles to fill in the garden space.
- step 08
Outline the bottom border with small flower shapes.
color palette
primary · gray · purple · green
secondary · red · blue · yellow
Mix gray from black and white, and purple from red and blue. Dilute colors significantly for watercolor washes.
techniques
- ·watercolor washes
- ·pen and ink outlining
- ·simplified shapes
- ·color layering
- ·dry brush
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the watercolor washes, leading to muddy colors.
- →Making the outlines too heavy, losing the delicate feel.
- →Getting bogged down in detail too early.
- →Not diluting the watercolor enough.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paints
- ·fine-tipped black pen
- ·watercolor paper
- ·round watercolor brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
- ·pencil
optional
- ·masking fluid
- ·ruler
- ·kneaded eraser
Use a light touch with the watercolor to maintain transparency. Choose a waterproof pen for outlining.
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