plate no. 8626
L'Arco Di Druso, Rome
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering textures like stone and foliage, as well as understanding atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the arch and surrounding structures.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a light blue wash, adding subtle variations for clouds.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes of the architecture with a mid-tone brown/gray mixture.
- step 04
Add darker values to indicate shadows and crevices in the stone.
- step 05
Begin layering lighter tones to create highlights and texture on the stone.
- step 06
Paint the foliage using various greens, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
- step 07
Introduce the figures and animals, paying attention to their proportions and placement.
- step 08
Add final details and refine the overall composition, adjusting values as needed.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · sap green
Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining raw umber, burnt sienna, and titanium white. Use cerulean blue and white for the sky, adding a touch of yellow ochre for warmth. Mix greens with sap green, yellow ochre, and a touch of raw umber for natural variations.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the initial stages.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using too much pure color without mixing.
- →Ignoring the effects of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-textured canvas to help create the rough texture of the stone. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
