plate no. 2396
A Venetian Balcony
William Merritt Chase, 1913
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting light and shadow within an interior space, as well as creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering architectural details and reflections in water.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the balcony, buildings, and interior elements.
- step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Begin building up the colors in the background buildings, paying attention to the subtle variations in hue and value.
- step 04
Develop the details of the balcony railing and the reflections in the water.
- step 05
Work on the interior elements, focusing on the ornate details of the furniture and the play of light across the surfaces.
- step 06
Refine the brushwork, using loose, expressive strokes to capture the impressionistic style.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium yellow · raw sienna · alizarin crimson
Mix various shades of yellow ochre and burnt umber with white to create the warm tones of the buildings and interior. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky and water, adding touches of yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the reflections.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details, resulting in a stiff and unnatural appearance.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of depth and perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, creating a garish effect.
- →Neglecting the importance of light and shadow in creating form and volume.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
- ·oil paints
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·medium gloss
- ·painting rags
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to help establish the initial values.
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