plate no. 0729

At sunset

mixed media, paperRealismcityscapearchitecturebuildingsskyfigureswallslandscape

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in rendering architectural details and atmospheric perspective using a limited palette. Students can develop skills in color mixing and creating depth through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and landscape, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Establish the warm sky color with a thin wash, blending variations for clouds.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the buildings and walls, using a slightly darker value for shadows.
step 04
Add details to the architecture, such as windows, arches, and decorative elements.
step 05
Paint the landscape in the foreground, using horizontal strokes to suggest the ground.
step 06
Add figures to the scene, simplifying their forms and using muted colors.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust values to create depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · raw umber · cadmium yellow light

Mix burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the warm tones of the sky and buildings. Use ultramarine blue and white to create the blue domes. Add raw umber to darken the sienna for shadows.

techniques