Tips on sketching houses in watercolor
I had a day in Amsterdam with my partner some weeks ago. We did one touristy thing that I must admit, we were a little skeptical to do, but we did it. We jumped into a one-hour canal boat trip with cheese and “drink as much wine as you like”. We will do it the next time we go back to Amsterdam.
Taking the canal boat tour was a fantastic way to gain a different perspective of the city and get some glasses of wine. From the comfort of the boat, we observe the unique architecture of the canal houses and the lively atmosphere of the neighborhoods. This leisurely journey allows you to take in the scenery at a relaxed pace, but there where not any time to sketch or paint, but I took lots of photos.
Painting and drawing in Amsterdam was a lovely inspiring experience. After, I painted from the photos I had taken, that way you could zoom in on details and not worry so much about the time. There are so many ways to start a sketch and this is just one of them.
7 steps:
1. Choose Your Subject: Find a house or some buildings that catches your eye. Look for interesting architectural features, colors, or surroundings that inspire you.
2. Composition: Decide on the composition. Think about how much of the house you want to include and what elements of the scene are essential. You can use the rule of thirds to create a balanced sketch.
3. Light Sketch: Begin with a light pencil sketch. Use simple shapes to outline the basic structure of the house. Focus on the main lines and angles without adding too much detail at this stage.
4. Add Details: Once you’re satisfied with the basic outline, start adding details like windows, doors, and any unique features. Pay attention to the proportions and perspective to make your sketch more realistic.
5. Incorporate Surroundings: Don’t forget to include elements of the environment, such as trees, canals, or other buildings, to give context to your sketch.
6. Watercolor Application: After your sketch, you can start applying watercolor. Use light washes for the background and gradually build up layers for the house, allowing some areas to remain white for highlights.
7. Final Touches: Once the paint is dry, you can add any final details with a fine brush or pen to enhance your sketch.
Enjoy the process and let the beauty inspire your artwork!
The city’s picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant street life offer endless opportunities for sketching and creativity. We strolled along the canals, capturing the reflections of the charming buildings in the water and just had a perfect summer day that I will remember. I will remember the tour guide explaining what “Day drinking” is, and how much lots of pople like doing that when the king has its birthday.
Amsterdam is my new favorite city it is so different from anywhere else. Whether you’re sitting by the water’s edge or gliding through the canals, Amsterdam provides a rich backdrop for artists. The combination of natural beauty and urban charm makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking to find inspiration in their art.
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