Salisbury Cathedral from Choristers’ Square – Capturing Light and Shadow in Watercolour

I recently had the pleasure of painting Salisbury Cathedral as seen from Choristers’ Square, a classic and much-loved view in the heart of Salisbury. This spot is a favourite of mine, not just for the grandeur of the cathedral but for the way the winter sun casts those wonderful, long shadows across the open square. The interplay of light and shadow, the tracery of bare branches, and the subtle colours of the scene all make it a perfect subject for a watercolour.

In the reference photo, you can see how the low sun creates dramatic shadows from the tree in the foreground, stretching right across the square. The cathedral itself rises majestically behind, slightly softened by the backlighting, and there’s a lovely contrast between the cool blues and purples of the shadows and the warm tones of the buildings and sunlight.

When approaching this painting, I wanted to emphasise that contrast and the sense of atmosphere. I began with a light wash for the sky, using a mix of cobalt blue and a touch of alizarin crimson to give a hint of warmth. While the paper was still damp, I dropped in some stronger blue to suggest the coolness of a winter’s day.

For the cathedral and surrounding buildings, I used a combination of wet-in-wet and wet-on-dry techniques. The distant stonework is suggested with loose, soft-edged washes, allowing the structure to recede and not compete with the foreground. I kept the details minimal, focusing instead on the overall shapes and the play of light.

The tree was painted with a rigger brush, using a mix of burnt sienna and ultramarine for those fine, intricate branches. I let some of the background show through, keeping the branches light and airy to avoid overworking them.

The foreground shadows are the real stars of this composition. I mixed a strong, rich blue with a hint of violet and swept it confidently across the paper, letting the brushwork follow the natural lines of the shadows as seen in the photo. I also used some splattering and dry brush to add texture and interest to the pavement, suggesting the uneven surface and catching the eye.

Figures were added last, using dark, simple shapes to give a sense of scale and life to the scene. I kept them loose and suggestive, just enough to convey movement without drawing too much attention.

Overall, it’s the balance of warm and cool, light and dark, that brings this painting together. Salisbury Cathedral is always a joy to paint, and Choristers’ Square offers endless inspiration for anyone who loves to capture the beauty of English architecture and landscape in watercolour.

If you’d like to see more of my work or join me for a workshop, do visit my website at www.timwilmotartist.com.