Laid up at home with a sore throat I’ve been working on a picture from a photo I took on my recent trip to Porto. Taken on the south bank looking across the Douro to the steep side of the city, I liked the composition. The boats are dark in the foreground and the river flows to the left hand with a bridge in the distance adding a little bit of mystery. The impressive north bank rising up high, with a mass of buildings, roofs and windows, were details I felt I wanted to attempt painting.

Barcos on the Douro

The first washes were laid on the drawing after placing a few key highlights with masking fluid. Soft, wet on wet basic colour washes, producing a guide for the whole picture, especially the sky and water.

Base washes

Then adding the second level washes that provide more detail but not much contrast

Sky and water washes

I wasn’t sure about sure about the detail on the headland – how far do I go? But once started then I must continue. However, as I progressed I gained new insight, found new ways of tackling the buildings so probably I would do them differently again. (another painting project).

Porto Barcos

Finished? Not really but as much as I want to do for now. Likes? the river going into the distance, the buildings on the right hand side , the shadows in the town, parts of the water. Dislikes? Muddy reflections, foreground out of scale, too many windows badly done, poor masts. Still to do? Change foreground, more depth to the water on bottom right, rigging on the boats.