plate no. 7244

Carabinieri

Ottone Rosai, 1950

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfiguresbuildingsstreetuniformssky

some experience helpful

This painting offers a good opportunity to practice simplifying forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. Students can develop their skills in layering paint and creating texture with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the background colors with thin washes, using lighter tones for the sky and buildings in the distance.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures with a base layer of blue, varying the tone slightly to suggest form.
step 04
Add darker values to the figures to create shadows and define the folds of their clothing.
step 05
Paint the details of the hats and red plumes, using small, deliberate brushstrokes.
step 06
Add highlights to the figures and buildings to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
step 08
Add final touches and signature.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix ultramarine blue with burnt umber to create darker shades of blue. Use white to lighten the blues and browns for highlights. Mix red and yellow for the plumes.

techniques