plate no. 6027
Fourth of July in Centre Square Philadelphia
John Lewis Krimmel, 1812
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering complex scenes with many figures and architectural details, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and color harmony.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the building, fountain, and the overall arrangement of figures.
- step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color for the sky, trees, and distant elements.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the building and fountain, paying attention to perspective and proportions.
- step 04
Start adding details to the building, such as windows, columns, and architectural features.
- step 05
Begin painting the figures, starting with the larger shapes and gradually adding details.
- step 06
Develop the foreground with details of the ground, foliage, and any other elements.
- step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, adjusting the overall balance and harmony.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to completion.
color palette
primary · ochre · burnt umber · Prussian blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ivory black
Mix ochre and burnt umber for the building's stone. Use Prussian blue and white for the sky, and add a touch of red for the figures' clothing.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·figure drawing
- ·architectural rendering
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →getting lost in details too early
- →incorrect proportions of the building
- →overly bright or saturated colors
- →inconsistent light source
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
- ·mineral spirits (if using oils)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·medium gloss
- ·retarder
Use a canvas with a fine weave for better detail rendering. Consider using a medium to slow the drying time of acrylics.
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