plate no. 7358
Venice
Gustave Moreau, 1885
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering transparent washes and creating atmospheric perspective. It also encourages experimentation with loose, expressive brushwork to suggest detail rather than rendering it precisely.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the lion, figure, cityscape, and horizon line.
- step 02
Apply a thin, diluted wash of yellow ochre and raw sienna to the sky and water areas.
- step 03
Begin layering washes of brown, blue, and purple to define the lion's form, focusing on shadows.
- step 04
Add washes of color to the figure's clothing and details, using a smaller brush for finer lines.
- step 05
Develop the cityscape in the background with muted greens, blues, and grays, creating a sense of distance.
- step 06
Introduce darker values to create contrast and define the edges of objects.
- step 07
Add details like the flowers and reflections in the water with careful brushstrokes.
- step 08
Refine the overall composition by adjusting values and adding final touches.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt umber · alizarin crimson · sap green
Achieve the muted, atmospheric colors by mixing complementary colors and diluting the paints with plenty of water. Use glazes to build up depth and complexity.
techniques
- ·watercolor washes
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality.
- →Using too much opaque paint, which can make the painting look flat.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.
- →Not allowing washes to dry completely before applying subsequent layers.
materials
surface · watercolor paper 140lb
required
- ·watercolor paints
- ·watercolor brushes (round and flat)
- ·watercolor paper (140lb or heavier)
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·masking tape
- ·sketching pencil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·gouache
- ·watercolor pencils
Use high-quality watercolor paints for best results. Experiment with different types of watercolor paper to find one that suits your style.
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