plate no. 3761

Ionian alley

Periklis Vyzantios, 1936

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapebuildingsstreetalleyarchitectureskyanimal

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting architectural forms with loose brushstrokes and understanding warm and cool color relationships to create depth and light.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the alleyway, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin adding thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to define the forms and textures of the buildings.
step 04
Use a variety of brushstrokes to create interest and variation in the surfaces.
step 05
Mix subtle variations of color to capture the light and shadow on the buildings.
step 06
Add details such as windows, doors, and architectural elements with smaller brushes.
step 07
Refine the edges and shapes of the buildings, paying attention to the overall composition.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · cadmium yellow

Mix warm grays by combining white, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt sienna. Cool grays can be achieved with white, ultramarine blue, and a touch of raw umber. Use cadmium yellow to create highlights and add warmth to the buildings.

techniques