plate no. 3310

Bergamo, Via San Tomaso

Włodzimierz Zakrzewski, 1970

oilRealismcityscapebuildingsstreetcityscapewindowsskyroad

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impasto techniques and understanding atmospheric perspective in a cityscape. It also provides practice in capturing the texture and form of buildings using visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the street, focusing on perspective.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color with thin washes, establishing the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin applying thicker paint with visible brushstrokes, building up the texture of the buildings and street.
step 04
Focus on capturing the light and shadow on the buildings, using variations in color and value.
step 05
Add details such as windows and doors, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the sky with soft, blended brushstrokes.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a varnish coat.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

Achieve the various gray tones by mixing white with small amounts of black, umber, and blue. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create warm highlights on the buildings.

techniques