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home·artworks·Acupintura
Acupintura by Joan Ponc

plate no. 6620

Acupintura

Joan Ponc, 1963

oilSurrealismlandscapebuildingslandscapeskyarchitectureabstractcityscape
some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in creating atmospheric perspective using a limited palette and building texture with visible brushstrokes. Students will learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and create depth through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Prepare the canvas with a dark brown base layer.

  2. step 02

    Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and horizon line using a light color.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main areas of the buildings with mid-tone browns, varying the shades slightly.

  4. step 04

    Add darker values to create shadows and define the forms of the buildings.

  5. step 05

    Use dry brush technique to create texture on the building surfaces.

  6. step 06

    Paint the sky with a dark brown, blending it slightly with lighter areas to suggest light sources.

  7. step 07

    Add the circular light elements in the sky with lighter browns and yellows.

  8. step 08

    Refine details and adjust values to create a cohesive and atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix burnt umber and raw sienna for the base tones. Add white to lighten and black to darken. Use yellow ochre sparingly for highlights.

techniques

  • ·dry brushing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·limited palette
  • ·layering

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the forms.
  • →Creating too much contrast, which can flatten the image.
  • →Not blending the sky sufficiently, resulting in a harsh transition.
  • →Using too much white, which can make the colors appear chalky.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·burnt umber oil paint
  • ·raw sienna oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·round brushes (various sizes)
  • ·flat brushes (various sizes)
  • ·palette
  • ·linseed oil

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·painting medium
  • ·varnish

A toned canvas will help to establish the dark background. Use a medium to thin the paint for smoother blending.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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