plate no. 4052
Les Ursulines
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and understanding the effect of light and shadow on these forms. Students will also learn to mix subtle color variations to create depth and atmosphere.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, figures, and wall, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and ground, then the buildings and figures.
- step 03
Refine the shapes of the buildings and add details like the doors and windows.
- step 04
Add the figures, focusing on the shapes of their habits and faces.
- step 05
Mix and apply the subtle color variations to create depth and dimension in the buildings and figures.
- step 06
Add the details of the wall and the small tree.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and harmonious composition.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna
secondary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue
Mix various shades of gray by combining white and black, and add small amounts of raw umber or burnt sienna for warmth. Use yellow ochre and a touch of blue to create the muted greens of the landscape.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·simplifying forms
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle color variations.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·assorted brushes
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing and create a harmonious composition.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
