plate no. 4062

The Sphinx Half in Shadow and Chephren Pyramid, Giza, Egypt

oilImpressionismlandscapesphinxpyramiddesertskyarchitecturelandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in watercolor washes and creating depth through layering and value changes. It also offers practice in capturing form with loose, expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the sphinx and pyramid, paying attention to their proportions and placement.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted blue for the sky, leaving some areas unpainted for clouds.
step 03
Mix a light tan color and apply a thin wash over the desert and pyramid, establishing the base tone.
step 04
Using a slightly darker tan, begin to define the shadows on the pyramid and the sphinx.
step 05
Add darker browns and blues to the sphinx to create deeper shadows and define its features.
step 06
Use dry brush techniques with darker browns to add texture to the desert and the sphinx's surface.
step 07
Add small details like the figures in the distance with quick, gestural strokes.
step 08
Evaluate the painting and add any final touches to balance the composition and values.

color palette

primary · raw umber · cerulean blue · burnt sienna

secondary · ivory black · white

Mix raw umber and burnt sienna for the various earth tones. Add a touch of blue to the umber for the darker shadows. Dilute colors with water to create transparent washes.

techniques