plate no. 8691
Lincoln Cathedral, Exchequer Gate and Castle Square
William Logsdail, 1904
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective, atmospheric perspective, and rendering architectural details. It also provides practice in capturing the effects of light and shadow on various surfaces.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic composition and perspective lines, focusing on the placement of the cathedral and buildings.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color, paying attention to the overall light and shadow patterns.
- step 03
Develop the sky and background elements, using soft blending techniques to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 04
Start adding details to the buildings, working from general shapes to specific architectural features.
- step 05
Refine the figures and street details, paying attention to their proportions and placement within the scene.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension, using a variety of brushstrokes to suggest texture.
- step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to adjust the overall tone and mood of the painting.
- step 08
Make final adjustments and refinements to the details, ensuring that all elements work together harmoniously.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
secondary · titanium white · cadmium red light
Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with blues and whites. Use glazes of transparent colors to create depth and luminosity.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·linear perspective
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Incorrect perspective leading to distorted buildings.
- →Overworking details too early in the process.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or unrealistic.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for both detailed work and expressive brushstrokes. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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