plate no. 2187

Eruption of Vesuvius on June 20, 1794

oilRomanticismlandscapevolcanoeruptionseafiguresskylandscape

some experience helpful

This painting offers a great opportunity to practice atmospheric perspective and rendering complex cloud formations. Students can also develop skills in depicting figures within a landscape setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the volcano, coastline, and major cloud formations.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the placement of the figures and architectural elements.
step 03
Block in the sky with light blues and grays, paying attention to the subtle color variations.
step 04
Paint the volcano and the landmass, using darker greens and browns for the base and lighter shades for the slopes.
step 05
Begin building up the cloud formations with layers of white, gray, and subtle hints of blue and yellow.
step 06
Add details to the figures and the architectural ruins, using small brushes.
step 07
Paint the sea with varying shades of blue and green, reflecting the sky and the surrounding landscape.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension throughout the painting.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · payne's gray

Mix blues and whites for the sky, adding small amounts of yellow ochre for warmth. Use raw umber and burnt sienna for the land, mixing with white to create lighter tones. Achieve cloud colors by mixing white with small amounts of blue, gray, and yellow.

techniques