plate no. 5287
Flower girl in Venice
Alessandro Zezzos, 1897
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice capturing atmospheric perspective and rendering realistic figures in a muted color palette. Students will also learn to create texture with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and the architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the main light source and block in the large shapes with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Develop the background cityscape, paying attention to atmospheric perspective and softening details.
- step 04
Refine the figures, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle value changes to create form.
- step 05
Add details to the clothing, faces, and hands, using small brushstrokes to capture texture.
- step 06
Paint the flower basket, using brighter colors to create a focal point.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and add final highlights and shadows.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the painting and create depth.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · ivory black
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix muted tones by combining earth colors with white and small amounts of blue or red. Use glazes of raw umber and burnt sienna to create depth and warmth.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·glazing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall atmospheric effect.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes that create form.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
