plate no. 1247

Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

oilMannerism (Late Renaissance)cityscapebuildingfiguresarchitecturecityscapeskycolumns

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in architectural drawing, figure painting, and creating a sense of depth through linear perspective and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering details and textures in a complex composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the basic shapes of the mausoleum and figures, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing points to guide the perspective of the building.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the sky, building, and figures using thin washes.
step 04
Begin adding details to the building, including the columns, statues, and architectural elements.
step 05
Develop the figures, paying attention to anatomy and drapery.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the realism of the painting.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ochre · brown · grey · pink

secondary · blue · yellow · purple · white

Mix various shades of grey and brown for the building using ochre, burnt umber, and white. Achieve skin tones by mixing ochre, red, and white, and use glazes of pink and purple for the drapery.

techniques