plate no. 2905

Landscape from Toledo

Iosif Iser, 1930

oilImpressionismcityscapebuildingstreesskytowercityscapefigures

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice layering colors and creating texture with visible brushstrokes. Students can also learn about simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, tower, and trees, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, using broad brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the main colors of the buildings and tower, using a mix of warm yellows, oranges, and browns.
step 04
Paint the trees with various shades of green, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 05
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features, using darker values.
step 06
Refine the shapes and colors of the trees, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Paint the figures in the foreground with simple shapes and dark colors.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to the entire painting, adjusting values and colors as needed.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · sap green · cadmium red · raw umber

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and cerulean blue. Achieve the building's warm tones by mixing burnt sienna with yellow ochre and a touch of cadmium red. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·broken color
·layering
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details, losing the impressionistic feel.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing, resulting in a flat appearance.
→Not establishing a clear value structure, making the painting look muddy.
→Ignoring the proportions of the buildings and trees, leading to an inaccurate representation.