plate no. 7901
House on Capri Island
Constantin Artachino, 1899
some experience helpful
This painting is great for learning how to create depth using color and value changes, as well as practicing loose, expressive brushstrokes to depict foliage and grass.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the house, tree, and horizon line lightly.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin, light gray-beige wash.
- step 03
Establish the main areas of the field with broad strokes of yellow-green.
- step 04
Add darker greens and browns to the foliage behind the house, suggesting depth.
- step 05
Paint the house using light beige and touches of pink for the roof, focusing on simple shapes.
- step 06
Add vertical strokes for the tall grasses in the foreground, varying the shades of green and yellow.
- step 07
Refine the details of the house and tree, keeping the brushstrokes loose and impressionistic.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · sap green · titanium white
secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow light · raw sienna
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and sap green with varying amounts of white. Use burnt umber to darken greens and create shadows. Add small amounts of raw sienna to the yellows for warmth.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details of the house, losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Making the colors too saturated, resulting in a less atmospheric effect.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough, creating a flat and lifeless texture.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes that create depth and dimension.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·odorless mineral spirits or water
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. If using oils, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
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