The article presents an innovative method of studying the intangible features of place, character and mood, developed by the author, making it possible to read into the spirit of the place: genius loci through colorful studies made using the watercolor technique. The concept of genius loci in the modern sense is a feature of a place that defines the context for project, investment, social and organizational activities. This is a particularly important element in protecting cultural heritage and designing of conservation activities of historic complexes and individual objects so as to preserve the values perceived in them. The basis for the presented method is the interpretation of the creative process as a cognitive activity. This approach to drawings created in situ allows us to treat them as a special study of the colors and shapes of places and objects, containing their immaterial features, difficult to grasp in rational discourse. In the author's opinion, the resulting image plays the role of a genius loci record and can be part of interdisciplinary research, which is the starting point for valuing and protecting architectural heritage. The presentation of the method described was based on the example of watercolor studies of the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague.