Painting Lecture Notes

Setting Up the Painting

• Surface: 12 by 16 sheet, rough surface, Arches.
• Location Inspiration:
  • Scene from Prague, revisited after four years.
  • Plans for future paintings of Vienna and Prague.
  • Focus on panoramic view, streets, horse-drawn carriages.
• Initial Layout:
  • High horizon line.
  • Main building with rooftops leading to the edge of the Vltava River.
  • Adjustments to the center of interest.

Painting Process

Initial Color Application

• Colors Used:
  • Pinkish bluish sky, pink rooftops.
  • Lavender blue water, warm gray rooftops.
  • Spots of cobalt turquoise.
• Brushes: Large mop brush, smaller brushes for detail.
• Techniques:
  • Start with yellow ochre for warmth, followed by cool colors.
  • Keep the paper wet, dilute colors when necessary.
  • Add layers of blue (lavender and ultramarine).

Detailing and Color Development

• Cool Gray Application: Applied to rooftops.
• Cobalt Turquoise: Added to specific areas for effect.
• Sienna and Warm Gray: Carried over sections for warmth.
• Water and Sky: Cool washes, mid-tones through background.

Secondary Color and Detail Work

• Smaller Brush for Details: Bridges, trees, misty quality.
• Rooftop Patterns: Achieved with darker gray tones.
• Silvery Gray: Defined center of interest.
• Connecting Darks: Linked to center of interest.
• Tree Details: Final touches, using yellow and dark tones.

Final Touches

• Chimneys and Highlights: Added using water and paper towel technique.
• Dormers and Shadows: Created with cool gray, details added wet-on-dry.
• Rooftop Division and Details: Enhanced with lines and windows.
• Boat and Water Features: White canopies on boats, highlights in water.
• Reflection and Framing: Final look, tape removal shows paper's whiteness.

Conclusion

• Future Plans:
  • Upcoming painting session in Prague’s Old Town.
  • Focus on creating patterns and repeated elements like bridges and buildings.