plate no. 7476

A View of the Tiber with Rome in the Distance

oilRococolandscapelandscaperiverskyfiguresarchitecturetrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and color mixing to create depth. Students will also practice rendering soft, blended transitions of light and shadow.

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 horizon line and major elements like the trees, buildings, and hills.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes, establishing the gradient from blue to yellow/orange near the horizon.
step 03
Establish the distant landscape using diluted washes of muted greens, blues, and browns to create atmospheric perspective.
step 04
Paint the middle ground, adding more detail to the hills and trees, using slightly more saturated colors.
step 05
Focus on the foreground elements, adding detail to the trees, figures, and any architectural features.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows, paying attention to the direction of the sunlight.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to create depth and visual interest.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify colors and add luminosity.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · raw sienna · alizarin crimson

Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors for distant elements.

techniques