plate no. 2022

Adunata

Ottone Rosai

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresbuildingsskycrowdstreet

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings and the receding lines of the street.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the relative sizes of the figures to create perspective.
step 03
Block in the sky with a thin wash of light blue and yellow, blending the colors.
step 04
Paint the buildings using a limited palette of ochre, white, and burnt sienna, varying the tones to suggest light and shadow.
step 05
Begin adding the figures, starting with the larger figure in the foreground and working your way back, simplifying details as they recede.
step 06
Use short, expressive brushstrokes to define the figures and their clothing.
step 07
Add highlights to the figures and buildings to create a sense of light and form.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a cohesive and expressive painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw umber

Mix ochre with white for highlights, and burnt sienna with raw umber for shadows. Use ultramarine blue sparingly to create atmospheric perspective in the sky and distant figures.

techniques