plate no. 0160

A Canal Scene, Venice

Rubens Santoro, 1900

oilRealismcityscapecanalbuildingswaterboatsskytower

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective, particularly linear perspective for the buildings and canal, and color mixing to achieve the subtle variations in the water and sky. It also provides practice in rendering architectural details and reflections.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective lines of the buildings and canal.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of the buildings, water, and sky with thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the main value ranges, paying attention to the light and shadow on the buildings.
step 04
Begin adding details to the buildings, such as windows, shutters, and architectural features.
step 05
Develop the water, using horizontal brushstrokes to suggest the movement of the water and reflections.
step 06
Paint the boats and figures, paying attention to their placement and scale within the scene.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final touches and glazes to unify the painting and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of burnt sienna and ultramarine blue to achieve the subtle variations in the buildings. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and add a touch of yellow ochre for warmth. Mix burnt sienna, cadmium red, and ultramarine blue to create the darker tones in the water.

techniques