plate no. 5358

View of Haarlem from the Brouwersvaart

watercolorBaroquelandscapelandscapecowstreescityscapeskyfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering soft, diffused light. It also provides practice in depicting realistic animal forms and distant architectural details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main compositional elements: horizon line, placement of trees, cows, and the distant cityscape.
step 02
Establish the sky with a light wash of blue, blending it softly with grays and whites for the clouds.
step 03
Paint the distant cityscape using diluted washes of browns, grays, and blues to create atmospheric perspective.
step 04
Block in the general shapes and colors of the trees, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 05
Add details to the trees, such as leaves and branches, using small brushstrokes and varying shades of green and brown.
step 06
Paint the cows and figures, paying attention to their anatomy and proportions.
step 07
Add details to the foreground, such as grass, shadows, and any other elements that add depth and realism.
step 08
Refine the painting by adjusting values, adding highlights, and softening edges as needed.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Yellow ochre · Burnt umber

secondary · Titanium white · Sap green · Payne's gray

Mix blues and grays with white to achieve the soft, muted tones of the sky and distant cityscape. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber for the warm browns of the trees and cows. Mix sap green with yellow ochre and a touch of blue for varied greens.

techniques

·atmospheric perspective
·watercolor washes
·dry brushing
·blending
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details in the distant cityscape.
→Using colors that are too saturated.
→Failing to create a sense of depth.
→Making the cows look flat or unrealistic.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·Watercolor paints
·Watercolor brushes (round and flat)
·Watercolor paper (140lb)
·Palette
·Water container
·Pencil
·Eraser

optional

·Masking fluid
·Palette knife
·Ruler
·Spray bottle

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for better blending. Experiment with different brush sizes and shapes to achieve various effects.

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