plate no. 2791
Baptism in Chioggia
Alessandro Zezzos, 1897
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a realistic manner and understanding atmospheric perspective to create depth in a landscape. It will also help with understanding how to create a focal point in a busy composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes and figures, paying attention to proportions and perspective.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the basic structure of the architecture and the boat.
- step 03
Block in the main color masses for the sky, water, and ground, using thin washes of color.
- step 04
Start building up the values and details in the figures, working from dark to light.
- step 05
Add details to the architecture, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
- step 06
Refine the details of the boat and the figures in the background, using softer edges and muted colors.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to the figures in the foreground, paying attention to the textures of their clothing.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the overall composition, ensuring that the focal point is clear and the painting is balanced.
color palette
primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · alizarin crimson
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, and ivory black. Use yellow ochre and ultramarine blue to create muted greens and blues for the water and sky. Add alizarin crimson to create warmer tones for the figures' clothing.
techniques
- ·underpainting
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong.
- →Creating too much contrast in the background, which can flatten the image.
- →Overworking the details, which can make the painting look stiff.
- →Not establishing a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 18x24
- ·Raw umber oil paint
- ·Burnt sienna oil paint
- ·Ivory black oil paint
- ·Yellow ochre oil paint
- ·Ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·Alizarin crimson oil paint
- ·Assorted round and flat brushes
optional
- ·Palette knife
- ·Linseed oil
- ·Odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the underpainting process.
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