plate no. 5462
Bellagio
Fyodor Bronnikov, 1875
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective, rendering textures of stone and plaster, and capturing the effects of light and shadow in an urban environment. Students will also learn to paint figures in a realistic style.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
- step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with a thin wash of color.
- step 03
Begin building up the textures of the stone and plaster walls, using a variety of brushstrokes.
- step 04
Add details to the windows, doors, and other architectural elements.
- step 05
Paint the figures in the foreground, paying attention to their proportions and poses.
- step 06
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
- step 07
Glaze over areas to unify the colors and create atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · raw sienna
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Mix greens by combining blue and yellow.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting the perspective wrong, leading to a distorted image.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall sense of atmosphere.
- →Failing to create a convincing sense of depth.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, resulting in an unrealistic look.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying the next.
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