Market Scene by Pieter Aertsen

plate no. 9706

Market Scene

Pieter Aertsen, 1550

oilNorthern Renaissancegenre paintingmarketfiguresfoodcartstentscityscape

study guide

est. 30 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the major shapes and composition.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the large shapes first.
step 04
Start adding details to the figures and objects, working from background to foreground.
step 05
Pay attention to the light and shadow to create depth and form.
step 06
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of realism.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to adjust the tones and values.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · red ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black

Achieve the earthy tones by mixing burnt umber with raw sienna and titanium white. Use ultramarine blue to create cooler shadows and atmospheric effects. Mix red ochre with burnt umber to create the red tones.

techniques

·glazing
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·figure drawing
·rendering textures

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in the details too early.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated.
→Ignoring the effects of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·burnt umber oil paint
·raw sienna oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·red ochre oil paint
·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·linseed oil

optional

·palette knife
·medium gloss
·turpentine

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Pre-toned canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber can be helpful.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →

chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Aristotle

Aristotle

Justus van Gent

The Man of Sorrows with the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist

The Man of Sorrows with the Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist

Martin Schongauer

The pride of the beggar sitting on the train of haughtiness

The pride of the beggar sitting on the train of haughtiness

Albrecht Altdorfer

Adoration of the Magi

Adoration of the Magi

Quentin Matsys

Christ on the Cross

Christ on the Cross

Albrecht Altdorfer

Frühling - Das Bereiten Der Blumenbeete

Frühling - Das Bereiten Der Blumenbeete

Pieter Brueghel the Younger

Group of Men

Group of Men

Rogier van der Weyden

Madonna and Child Holding a Pear

Madonna and Child Holding a Pear

Bernard Van Orley