plate no. 2234

Carthusian monks in Certosa di San Giacomo on Capri

oil, canvasRomanticisminteriormonksarchitecturearchesmoonlightseabuildings

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, rendering light and shadow, and creating a sense of depth through careful layering of values and colors. Students will also learn to depict figures in a believable way using light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main architectural elements, figures, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the darks and lights with thin washes of color.
step 03
Focus on the light source (moon and interior light) and how it affects the surrounding objects.
step 04
Develop the architectural details, paying attention to the perspective and the way light interacts with the surfaces.
step 05
Refine the figures, using light and shadow to create form and volume.
step 06
Add details to the sea and sky, capturing the subtle gradations of color and value.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and create depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the sense of realism.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ivory black · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow

Achieve the warm interior light by mixing yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and white. Create the cool moonlight by mixing ultramarine blue, ivory black, and white. Use raw umber and ivory black for the darker areas.

techniques