plate no. 4602
A Roman Aqueduct
Giuseppe de Nittis, 1875
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering paint to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It also provides practice in capturing the essence of a landscape with loose, expressive brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the aqueduct, mountains, and foreground elements.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, using horizontal brushstrokes to suggest clouds.
- step 03
Establish the values of the mountains in the background with muted blues and grays.
- step 04
Paint the aqueduct with a mix of burnt sienna and umber, varying the tones to create depth and shadow.
- step 05
Add the foliage with greens and browns, using broken brushstrokes to create texture.
- step 06
Paint the water with horizontal strokes, reflecting the colors of the sky and surrounding landscape.
- step 07
Develop the foreground with darker tones and varied textures, adding details to suggest grass and earth.
- step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric landscape.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · sap green
Mix blues and whites for the sky. Use burnt sienna and raw umber for the aqueduct and earth tones. Add yellow ochre to greens for highlights in the foliage.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·layering
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and not capturing the muted tones of the landscape.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Making the brushstrokes too uniform and not varying the texture.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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