This document provides instructions for a watercolor landscape painting assignment. Students will learn watercolor techniques and research landscape reference images. They must create 4 compositional sketches with a color plan in their sketchbook. Using light pencil lines, students will draw their planned composition on watercolor paper and apply color using techniques practiced in class. Their finished painting will be evaluated on elements of composition, creative problem solving, application of materials and processes, and craftsmanship.

1. Name: ________________________________________________ Block: _____________
Studio Art
Dorofy/Duckworth/Gordon/Sanders
Watercolor Landscape Painting
WATERCOLOR: Paint made with a water-soluble binder
such as gum arabic, and thinned with water rather than oil,
giving a transparent color. Traditionally used in a light to
dark manner, using the white of the paper to determine
values. Watercolors are usually transparent, and appear
luminous because the pigments are laid down in a relatively
pure form with few fillers obscuring the pigment colors.
LANDSCAPE: Art that depicts natural scenery such as mountains, valleys, trees, rivers, and forests,
and especially art where the main subject is a wide view.
TASK: For this project you will be creating a landscape painting that includes the Element of Art:
Space – specifically focusing on creating depth by using foreground, middle ground and background.
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
1. Learn about and practice watercolor techniques and processes.
2. Research and print landscape reference images. As you look, think about what type of landscape
you want to create. Things to take into consideration…
a) Differences in terrain, climate, vegetation, wildlife, etc.
b) Is there any architecture?
c) Is there a strong foreground, middle ground and background?
3. In your sketchbook, create 4 different compositional sketches and develop a color plan using your
landscape images as reference. You should use more than one reference image when creating
your new composition.
4. Once you have planned your composition and shared it with the teacher, then you may begin to
work on the final paper, making sure that you draw VERY LIGHTLY with your pencil, just enough
so that you can see your elements in the landscape! REMEMBER: dark pencil lines will show
through on your watercolor.
5. When your drawing is on the final watercolor paper, then you may begin to apply watercolor
using the techniques discussed and practiced in class. Make sure you are referencing your color
planning as well as making use of test strips and other tools to help you while you apply color.
6. After you have applied all of the color to your landscape and it has dried, you may go in with
colored pencils to add fine details if desired.

2. Watercolor Landscape
Watercolor Painting
Studio Art
Dorofy/Duckworth/Gordon/Sanders
Name: _____________________________________
Completion of Requirements (1 pt. each)
____ Multiple reference images printed/used
____ 4 composition sketches created in sketchbook
____ Color planned in sketchbook
____ Landscape drawn LIGHTLY on final
Block: ______________________
Criterion below will be evaluated
on this 12-point scale:
12. Exceeds Expectations
9-11. Meets All Expectations
6-8. Meets Most Expectations
1-5. Meets Few Expectations
Composition/Application of Elements & Principles
Does the design and arrangement of your landscape elements work together to create a cohesive
whole landscape design? Is there emphasis on the appropriate areas? Does your eye flow
effortlessly through the piece? Does your piece appear cluttered or empty? Have you used space and
color effectively to create an interesting composition that includes depth?
/12
Creative Problem Solving
Did you take the scope of the assignment and bring new and interesting thoughts and visual
imagery to it? Did you create interesting arrangements of landscape elements?
Did you use your knowledge of color to create points of interest in your piece?
/12
Application of Materials & Processes
Is your watercolor landscape painting created using the techniques taught in class? Did you use the
watercolor effectively to create a landscape that shows depth?
/12
Craftsmanship
Are there obvious signs of care and quality in the production and creation of your piece? Does your
piece meet conventional standards of craftsmanship?
Comments:
/12
TOTAL:
/52