plate no. 5716
The spring on the high water level of the Korana River (Low.res.photo)
Alfred Freddy Krupa, 2013
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering transparent washes and creating depth with watercolor. It also provides practice in painting organic shapes and textures.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the tree trunk, branches, and foliage.
- step 02
Apply a light wash of yellow and green to the background, leaving some areas white for highlights.
- step 03
Paint the trunk and branches with a mix of blues, browns, and grays, using varying values to create form.
- step 04
Layer different shades of green and blue to create the foliage, using a wet-on-wet technique for soft edges.
- step 05
Add darker values to the shadows within the foliage and around the trunk to create depth.
- step 06
Use a fine brush to add details to the branches and leaves.
- step 07
Glaze the ground with a light wash of yellow and brown.
- step 08
Evaluate and add final touches to balance the composition.
color palette
primary · sap green · cerulean blue · raw umber
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
Mix greens by blending blues and yellows. Achieve grays by mixing complementary colors. Use plenty of water to keep the colors transparent.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·layering washes
- ·dry brush texture
- ·glazing
- ·lifting
common pitfalls
- →Using too much paint and losing transparency.
- →Overworking the details and creating a muddy effect.
- →Not allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
- →Failing to create enough contrast between light and shadow.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paints
- ·watercolor paper 140lb
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
- ·pencil
- ·kneaded eraser
optional
- ·masking fluid
- ·palette knife
- ·spray bottle
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure good color absorption. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various effects.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
