plate no. 9691
Ariccia near Rome
Mikhail Lebedev, 1836
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as rendering realistic foliage and architectural details.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, building, and figure.
- step 02
Establish the sky and background with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of foliage with darker greens and browns.
- step 04
Begin layering lighter greens and yellows to create highlights and variations in the foliage.
- step 05
Paint the building, paying attention to the details of the architecture and the play of light and shadow.
- step 06
Add the figure, using a limited palette of reds, browns, and whites.
- step 07
Refine the details of the foreground, including the flowers and fallen log.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · sap green · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix greens by combining sap green, raw umber, and yellow ochre. Create atmospheric perspective by adding white and a touch of blue to distant colors.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·blending
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·rendering foliage
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details
- →flattening the perspective
- →using too much bright color
- →ignoring the subtle variations in value
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a glazing medium to enhance the depth and luminosity of the colors.
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