Fire in the Oil Depot at San Marcuola

approach — 8 steps

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black

secondary · titanium white · Prussian blue · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, ivory black, and titanium white. Use Prussian blue to create a slightly cooler tone for the sky and smoke. Add yellow ochre to create warmer highlights in the fire and on the buildings.

techniques

• ·atmospheric perspective
• ·scumbling
• ·dry brushing
• ·glazing
• ·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

• →Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive feel of the original.
• →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
• →Using too many colors and creating a muddy or chaotic effect.
• →Not paying attention to the value contrasts and losing the drama of the scene.