plate no. 9699
Egyptian Obelisk in the Plaza of St. John Lateran
experienced study
Recreating this image will help students understand linear perspective and how to render complex architectural details using a limited value range. It will also improve their ability to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
technical profile
palette complexity
1
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Establish the horizon line and vanishing point(s).
- step 02
Lightly sketch the basic architectural structure using linear perspective.
- step 03
Define the major shapes of the columns, arches, and ceiling.
- step 04
Add details to the architectural elements, such as moldings and carvings.
- step 05
Establish the light source and begin shading, focusing on areas of strong contrast.
- step 06
Add details to the statues and figures, paying attention to their form and placement.
- step 07
Refine the shading and details, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall effect.
color palette
primary · black · white
secondary · gray
Achieve various shades of gray by mixing black and white in different proportions. Use darker grays for shadows and lighter grays for highlights.
techniques
- ·linear perspective
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·value shading
- ·rendering
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect perspective can ruin the entire image.
- →Overcomplicating the details too early.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
- →Not creating enough contrast between light and shadow.
materials
surface · smooth drawing paper
required
- ·graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
- ·eraser
- ·ruler
- ·drawing paper
- ·sharpener
- ·kneaded eraser
optional
- ·tortillon
- ·blending stump
- ·mechanical pencil
Use a hard pencil (HB) for the initial sketch and softer pencils (2B, 4B) for shading. Keep your pencils sharp for detailed work.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Portrait of Sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon working at the bust of Voltaire
Marie-Gabrielle Capet
The Roman antiquities, t. 1, Plate XXXI. Temple of Antonius and Faustina.
Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Portrait of Louis d'Orleans
Franz Xaver Winterhalter
Rooftops in the shadows
Pierre-Henri de Valenciennes
The Schmadribach Falls
Joseph Anton Koch
A Scene from 'As You Like It' by William Shakespeare
William Hamilton
Portrait of Klementyna Ostrowska Née Sanguszko
Vincenzo Camuccini
Self-Portrait
Anton Raphael Mengs