plate no. 4214
The tree on Adriatic Coast and Velebit Mnt. (24th July 2014)
Alfred Freddy Krupa, 2014
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering transparent washes and creating soft edges with watercolor. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and colors.
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, coastline, and horizon line.
- step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted blue and pink for the sky, allowing colors to blend.
- step 03
Paint the sea with a similar light blue wash, varying the intensity for depth.
- step 04
Add a light brown wash to the tree trunk and branches.
- step 05
Begin building up the coastline with layers of brown, green, and blue washes, creating texture with varied brushstrokes.
- step 06
Add darker accents to the tree and coastline to define shadows and details.
- step 07
Use a damp brush to lift color and create soft edges in the sky and sea.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · rose madder · burnt umber
secondary · sap green · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix blues and pinks for the sky and sea. Use diluted washes of burnt umber for the tree and coastline. Mix greens and browns for the foliage.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·layering washes
- ·lifting color
- ·dry brush texture
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the washes and losing transparency.
- →Using too much water and creating blooms.
- →Making the colors too saturated.
- →Not allowing layers to dry completely before adding more.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paints
- ·watercolor paper 140lb
- ·round brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·flat brush (size 1/2 inch)
- ·water container
- ·palette
- ·paper towels
optional
- ·masking fluid
- ·palette knife
- ·spray bottle
- ·kneaded eraser
Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve various textures.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
