plate no. 1592

A view of the Lobkowicz Palace in Vienna

oil, canvasRocococityscapebuildingscityscapefiguresskyarchitecturestreet

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective, architectural rendering, and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in painting figures in proportion and in creating a sense of depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch, establishing the horizon line and vanishing points for the perspective.
step 02
Block in the main shapes of the buildings, paying close attention to their proportions and angles.
step 03
Establish the basic color palette by applying thin washes of color to the sky, buildings, and ground.
step 04
Start adding details to the buildings, such as windows, doors, and architectural ornamentation.
step 05
Paint the figures in the foreground, paying attention to their poses and clothing.
step 06
Add details to the street, such as carriages, carts, and other objects.
step 07
Refine the colors and values of the painting, adding highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details, such as reflections in the windows and subtle variations in the sky.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · Prussian blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · cadmium red light

Mix raw umber and white for the buildings, adding touches of yellow ochre and burnt sienna for warmth. Use Prussian blue and white for the sky, adding a touch of raw umber to tone it down. Mix burnt sienna and cadmium red light for the roof tiles.

techniques

·linear perspective
·atmospheric perspective
·glazing
·scumbling
·rendering

common pitfalls

→Incorrect perspective, leading to distorted buildings.
→Overworking the details, resulting in a stiff and lifeless painting.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Inaccurate proportions of figures.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints (raw umber, titanium white, Prussian blue, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, cadmium red light)
·Turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Rags