plate no. 2543
Bridgettine Church and Arsenal
Bernardo Bellotto, 1778
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective drawing and rendering architectural details. It also provides practice in creating atmospheric perspective through color and value variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main architectural structures, paying attention to perspective and proportions.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing points.
- step 03
Block in the sky and ground with broad washes of color.
- step 04
Add the basic shapes of the buildings and trees, using simplified forms.
- step 05
Begin refining the architectural details, such as windows, columns, and decorative elements.
- step 06
Add figures and carriages, paying attention to their scale and placement.
- step 07
Develop the light and shadow patterns to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to enhance the realism of the painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · sap green · raw sienna
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white. Use thin washes of color to create atmospheric perspective.
techniques
- ·linear perspective
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect perspective leading to distorted buildings.
- →Overworking details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·linseed oil
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned ground to simplify the initial stages of painting.
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