This watercolor sketch is from an original done on-the-spot near Uchisar, Turkey, which is in the visually stunning Cappadocia region.. I recreated the step-by-step process of creating the original as a demonstration for my upcoming book, Freehand Drawing and Discovery.
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I started with a pencil line sketch on 140 lb cold pressed watercolor paper. I thought the contour sketching method--drawing the overall outline first and treating the subject as "shapes" rather than "things"-- would work best in this case.
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As the sketch progressed, I tried to capture the visual texture of the scene, rather than the literal details. |
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A wet-on-dry wash over the entire area to be painted. |
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Some shade and a warm roof color, mixed from burnt sienna, cadmium red and a touch of french ultramarine. |
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Windows added, again trying to capture a visual impression rather than photographic realism. Some olive green between buildings hints at vegetation and provides some much needed contrast. This is a detail view, showing about one half of the sketch. |