plate no. 7417

Founding act of the Municipal Savings Bank of Vitoria in 1850

oilExpressionismhistory paintinginteriorfiguresarchitecturecurtainsroomhistorical event

experienced study

This painting offers practice in depicting a complex scene with many figures and architectural details, focusing on creating depth and atmosphere through color and value variations. Recreating this will improve skills in figure drawing, perspective, and color mixing for creating realistic lighting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and perspective.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and areas of color, focusing on the large masses of the room and figures.
step 03
Establish the light source and begin to define the shadows and highlights.
step 04
Develop the architectural details, paying attention to the perspective and proportions.
step 05
Refine the figures, adding details to their clothing and faces.
step 06
Work on the drapery, using soft blending to create the folds and shadows.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Achieve the various shades of red by mixing cadmium red with burnt sienna and a touch of black. Create the cooler tones by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of burnt sienna. Use yellow ochre to warm up the highlights.

techniques

·underpainting
·glazing
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·figure drawing

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in the details too early without establishing the overall composition.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
→Overworking the figures and making them look stiff.
→Ignoring the importance of light and shadow in creating form.