plate no. 2022
Adunata
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in depicting figures in perspective and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. Students can also explore expressive brushwork to convey emotion and movement.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 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
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·expressive brushwork
- ·limited palette
- ·scumbling
- ·blocking in
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details of the figures in the background.
- →Creating too much contrast, which can flatten the image.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, which can detract from the overall mood.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
- ·mineral spirits (if using oils)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the expressive brushwork. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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