plate no. 6525

Florence. Ponte Vecchio

Zinaida Serebriakova, 1932

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsbridgeriverarchitecturerooftops

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in depicting architectural forms with simplified shapes and values, and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. Students can also learn to suggest details rather than rendering them precisely.

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 and perspective lines of the buildings and bridge.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and water.
step 03
Establish the main shadow shapes on the buildings and bridge.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and doors, using a smaller brush.
step 05
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 06
Add texture to the rooftops and walls using dry brush techniques.
step 07
Indicate the figures and other small details with quick, gestural strokes.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and colors.