plate no. 9269

They Walked Side by Side During the Rest of the Evening

Virginia Frances Sterrett, 1920

oilArt Nouveau (Modern)illustrationarchitecturefiguresskytreesfantasygarden

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in architectural rendering, figure drawing, and creating a cohesive color scheme. Students will also learn how to create a sense of depth and atmosphere using color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the architecture and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the perspective of the steps leading to the building.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the sky, ground, and architecture using diluted washes.
step 04
Add details to the architecture, such as windows, arches, and towers, using a fine brush.
step 05
Paint the figures, paying attention to the folds and drapery of their clothing.
step 06
Add details to the trees and flowers in the foreground.
step 07
Create the stars in the sky using small dots of white paint.
step 08
Refine the details and add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · sky blue · ivory · black

secondary · gold · purple · grey-green

Mix various shades of blue and grey to create the sky and architecture. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Mix black with other colors to create shadows.

techniques

·layering
·glazing
·dry brushing
·fine line detail
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in the details of the architecture too early.
→Using colors that are too saturated and not harmonious.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Making the figures appear flat and lifeless.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paints or gouache
·watercolor paper
·round brushes (small and medium)
·fine liner brush
·palette
·water container
·paper towels
·pencil

optional

·ruler
·masking fluid
·palette knife

Using high-quality watercolor paper will help prevent the colors from bleeding and allow for better blending. Gouache can be used to achieve more opaque colors and sharper details.

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