plate no. 1101
Foundations
Ettore Tito, 1899
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow in a cityscape, as well as simplifying complex scenes into manageable shapes and values. Students will also learn to create a sense of depth using atmospheric perspective and varying brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and the placement of major elements like buildings and boats.
- step 02
Block in the sky and water with thin washes of color, establishing the overall value structure.
- step 03
Establish the main shapes of the buildings and boats, using a limited palette of earth tones.
- step 04
Add the figures, simplifying their forms and focusing on their placement within the scene.
- step 05
Begin to build up the details in the foreground, including the paving stones and the figures' clothing.
- step 06
Use thicker paint and more visible brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest in the foreground.
- step 07
Refine the details in the buildings and boats, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
- step 08
Add final touches and glazes to unify the painting and enhance the overall atmosphere.
color palette
primary · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre
secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue or yellow. Use thin washes of color for the sky and water, and thicker paint for the foreground details.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Getting bogged down in details too early.
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the initial brushstrokes.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·oil paints (titanium white, raw umber, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, burnt sienna)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium (e.g. Liquin)
Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for visible brushstrokes. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base value.
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