plate no. 8715
The Tailor and Simpkin Set Out for the Shop
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in linear perspective, watercolor washes, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering architectural details and figures in a stylized manner.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
- step 02
Outline the main architectural details with a fine-tipped pen or waterproof ink.
- step 03
Apply a light wash of diluted blue or gray to the sky and snow-covered areas to establish the overall tone.
- step 04
Begin layering in the colors of the buildings, starting with the lightest tones and gradually adding darker shades.
- step 05
Use a slightly drier brush to create texture in the brickwork and other surfaces.
- step 06
Add details to the figures and architectural elements, such as windows, doors, and signs.
- step 07
Use a darker ink or watercolor to reinforce the outlines and add definition to the shadows.
- step 08
Add final touches, such as the birds in the sky and the details on the figures.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · raw umber
secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · alizarin crimson
Mix burnt sienna and ultramarine blue to create various shades of brown and gray. Use yellow ochre and a touch of alizarin crimson for the brick tones. Dilute colors significantly for washes.
techniques
- ·watercolor washes
- ·pen and ink outlining
- ·dry brush texture
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early
- →Using colors that are too saturated
- →Ignoring the perspective lines
- →Not allowing washes to dry completely before adding subsequent layers
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paper 140lb
- ·watercolor paints
- ·round watercolor brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
- ·fine-tipped waterproof pen
- ·pencil
- ·eraser
- ·palette
optional
- ·masking fluid
- ·ruler
- ·watercolor pencils
Use a good quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for multiple washes. Test your colors on a separate piece of paper before applying them to the painting.
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