plate no. 7446
Interior of the Doge's Palace
John Singer Sargent, 1898
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective, capturing light and shadow, and creating a sense of depth in a complex interior space. It also provides practice in rendering textures and details with loose brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic perspective and proportions of the room.
- step 02
Block in the large shapes of the ceiling, walls, and floor with thin washes of color.
- step 03
Establish the darkest and lightest areas to create a sense of depth and volume.
- step 04
Develop the details of the ceiling ornamentation, using small brushstrokes and varying values of gold and brown.
- step 05
Add the details of the walls, windows, and furniture, paying attention to the way light falls on each object.
- step 06
Refine the details of the globes, using small brushstrokes to create the illusion of texture and form.
- step 07
Add the figures in the background, using simple shapes and colors to suggest their presence.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the values and colors to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · ivory black
secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow
Mix various shades of brown and gold by combining burnt umber, yellow ochre, and cadmium yellow. Use titanium white to lighten the colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·perspective drawing
- ·underpainting
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
- ·glazing
common pitfalls
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of perspective.
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Using too much detail in the background, which can flatten the space.
- →Not paying attention to the way light and shadow define the forms.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas to allow for better paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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