Alleyway of Naples

approach — 8 steps

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix burnt umber and raw sienna with white to create the various shades of the buildings and street. Use cadmium red and ultramarine blue to create the reds and blues of the figures' clothing. Add yellow ochre to create the warm tones of the light.

techniques

• ·atmospheric perspective
• ·blocking in
• ·dry brushing
• ·scumbling
• ·glazing

common pitfalls

• →Getting the perspective wrong, which can make the alleyway look distorted.
• →Overworking the details, which can make the painting look too busy.
• →Failing to create a sense of depth, which can make the painting look flat.
• →Not paying attention to the light and shadow, which can make the figures look unrealistic.