plate no. 1711

Chiesa

oilExpressionismcityscapebuildingschurchvillagemountainsskypath

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in simplifying complex scenes and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and form. Recreating it will help students understand how to use a limited palette to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

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, mountains, and path, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and mountains, then moving to the buildings and foreground.
step 03
Develop the darker areas of the mountains and buildings to create depth and contrast.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Create texture in the foreground with short, broken brushstrokes, suggesting grass and foliage.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and blend colors where necessary to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and create a sense of light.
step 08
Step back and adjust the overall composition as needed.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium red light

Mix raw umber and white for the sky and lighter areas of the buildings. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the warmer tones in the buildings and foreground. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue to darken shadows and create cooler tones.

techniques

·dry brush texture
·broken color
·scumbling
·alla prima
·expressive brushwork

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point.
→Ignoring the importance of value contrast.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·raw umber oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·yellow ochre oil paint
·#4 round brush
·#8 flat brush
·palette
·linseed oil

optional

·palette knife
·medium gloss
·easel

Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the texture of the brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette of oil paints to simplify the color mixing process.

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