plate no. 4689

Alms Houses, Antwerp, Belgium

oilRealismgenre paintingbuildingfigurescourtyardbrickskyplants

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex architectural details and capturing the subtle variations in light and shadow across different surfaces. It also provides practice in depicting figures in a realistic setting and creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 25 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic composition and perspective of the building and figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the building, paying attention to the brickwork and architectural details.
step 03
Establish the values of the sky and background elements to create a sense of depth.
step 04
Start painting the figures, focusing on their proportions, clothing, and interactions.
step 05
Add details to the foreground elements, such as the courtyard paving, plants, and other objects.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows throughout the painting to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Step back and make any necessary adjustments to the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · viridian

Achieve the brick color by mixing burnt sienna, cadmium red, and a touch of raw umber. Mix ultramarine blue and white for the sky, adding a touch of yellow ochre for warmth. Use viridian and yellow ochre for the foliage.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Getting the perspective of the building wrong.
→Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
→Failing to create a convincing sense of depth.
→Making the figures look stiff or unnatural.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (burnt sienna, raw umber, titanium white, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, cadmium red, viridian)
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·palette
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·palette knife
·rags