plate no. 5831

Jami Masjid, Aligarh

Martin Yeoman, 2001

oilContemporary Realismcityscapemosquearchitecturebuildingskytreesfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve subtle variations in light and shadow, as well as practice creating depth through atmospheric perspective.

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 mosque and other architectural elements, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of light purple-blue.
step 03
Establish the basic color of the buildings using a mix of red, brown, and white.
step 04
Add darker values to indicate shadows and architectural details.
step 05
Paint the domes with white, adding subtle shadows to create form.
step 06
Add the figures in the foreground with simple shapes and values.
step 07
Paint the trees and foliage with loose brushstrokes, using greens and browns.
step 08
Refine details and adjust values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · red · white · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · sap green

Mix red, white, and a touch of blue to achieve the building's color. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and add yellow ochre for warmer tones. Mix greens with blue, yellow, and a touch of burnt umber.

techniques

·blocking in
·atmospheric perspective
·color mixing
·dry brushing
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking details too early
→Incorrect perspective
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing
→Ignoring value relationships

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·oil paints (red, white, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt umber, sap green)
·palette
·palette knife
·#4 round brush
·#8 flat brush
·linseed oil