plate no. 5530
Capri, Italy
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountain, buildings, and boats.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, sea, mountain, and buildings, using thin washes.
- step 03
Establish the main light source and begin to define the shadows on the buildings and mountain.
- step 04
Add details to the buildings, paying attention to the variations in color and texture.
- step 05
Paint the boats and figures, focusing on their shapes and values.
- step 06
Refine the details in the water, capturing the reflections and movement.
- step 07
Add highlights and final touches to create a sense of realism and depth.
- step 08
Glaze the painting to unify the colors and add a sense of atmosphere.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
secondary · cadmium red light · raw umber · viridian
Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky and sea. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the buildings and sand, adding touches of red for warmth. Mix greens from yellow and blue for the foliage.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Getting lost in the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a strong light source.
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Not simplifying the complex shapes of the buildings.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber before starting.
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