plate no. 4188

The Silver Apples of the Moon

Margaret Macdonald, 1912

pencil, watercolorArt Nouveau (Modern)symbolic paintingfiguresdressveilorbsabstract backgroundsymbolic

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering watercolor washes and creating textures with splattering and dry brush techniques. It also encourages experimentation with abstract backgrounds and symbolic representation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the figures and the basic composition with a pencil.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted blue-gray watercolor across the entire surface.
step 03
Begin layering washes of blue and gray to define the figures and background, building up depth gradually.
step 04
Create the orb-like shapes in the background using a small brush and varying shades of white and blue-gray.
step 05
Use a splattering technique with diluted blue and black watercolor to add texture and visual interest.
step 06
Add details to the figures' faces and clothing with a fine brush and more concentrated watercolor.
step 07
Incorporate touches of gold or yellow to highlight certain areas, such as the jewelry.
step 08
Allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next to prevent muddiness.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · payne's gray

secondary · gold · raw umber

Achieve the various shades of gray by mixing ultramarine blue and burnt umber with titanium white. Dilute the colors significantly with water for transparent washes.

techniques

·watercolor washes
·splattering
·dry brush
·layering
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the watercolor and creating muddy colors.
→Applying too much paint at once, resulting in a lack of transparency.
→Not allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next.
→Failing to maintain a balance between detail and abstraction.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paper 140lb
·watercolor paints (ultramarine blue, titanium white, payne's gray, raw umber)
·round watercolor brushes (various sizes)
·flat watercolor brush
·water container
·palette
·pencil
·eraser

optional

·masking fluid
·palette knife
·gold leaf

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure the best results. Experiment with different brush sizes and techniques to create a variety of textures.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

chat about this artwork

in this vein