plate no. 9258

Afternoon sun at the Alcázar of Seville

Joaquín Sorolla, 1910

oil, canvasImpressionismcityscapebuildingarchitecturegardenfountaintreessky

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in capturing light and shadow using broken color and loose brushstrokes. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes by focusing on the overall impression rather than precise details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: building, fountain, and pathway.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, building facade, and ground.
step 03
Establish the darkest shadows and brightest highlights.
step 04
Add details to the building, focusing on the arches and windows.
step 05
Paint the foliage with short, broken brushstrokes, varying the greens and browns.
step 06
Define the fountain with light washes and subtle variations in tone.
step 07
Refine the pathway, paying attention to the perspective and shadows.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · sap green · raw umber

Mix various shades of yellow ochre with white and small amounts of burnt sienna or raw umber to achieve the building's color. Create greens by mixing ultramarine blue and yellow ochre, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Use white to create highlights and lighten the blues for the sky.

techniques

·broken color
·alla prima
·scumbling
·dry brush
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the impression.
→Using too much detail in the shadows, making them appear flat.
→Failing to capture the light and shadow accurately.
→Not varying the brushstrokes enough, resulting in a monotonous texture.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints: yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, titanium white, burnt sienna, sap green, raw umber
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (flat and round)
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·rags