Chappaqua House Portrait: A Classic 1930s Colonial Painted for Closing Day

White houses are sneaky. They look simple… until you’re the person responsible for making sure they don’t end up looking like a blank rectangle sitting in a yard.

This 11x14 watercolor was my latest commission for a repeat realtor client who specializes in luxury properties in upstate New York. She needed this one completed on a quick timeline for closing day, and after loving her first house portrait, she came back for a larger piece this time. This rare 1930s colonial in Chappaqua had a beautiful, classic feel, but the challenge was that the home itself is mostly white stucco with very little color variation or texture to work with.

To keep the painting from feeling flat, I focused on the details that gave the property its personality—the shadows from the landscaping, the large tree framing the home, and the cobblestone walkway leading up to the entrance. The entryway also had some fun little details, including the columns, stained glass, and the two topiary-style plants flanking the doorway. Sometimes it’s the smallest details that do the heavy lifting.

The original photo was taken in winter, complete with snow and bare trees, but we decided to bring the painting into a warmer season. I added more of a spring/summer feeling with fuller greenery and varied shades of green throughout the landscaping. The background trees were intentionally softened and less detailed to create more depth and keep the focus on the home itself.

This one was a good reminder that a “simple” white house is rarely actually simple. Sometimes the challenge is figuring out how to paint all the things you don’t immediately notice.

Learn how to commission a watercolor house portrait ➜