plate no. 9990

Mill Valley near Amalfi

oilRomanticismlandscapebuildingsmountainstreesbridgewaterfigures

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice atmospheric perspective and rendering textures of stone and foliage. Students can develop their skills in creating depth and realism through color and value variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings, mountain, and bridge.
step 02
Establish the sky and distant mountain with thin washes of color, paying attention to atmospheric perspective.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the buildings, using a light, neutral color.
step 04
Add the darker values to the mountain and buildings to create form and depth.
step 05
Paint the foliage, using a variety of greens and browns to create texture and depth.
step 06
Define the bridge and stream, paying attention to the reflections in the water.
step 07
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and doors.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors as needed.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · sap green

Mix various shades of green by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt sienna. Achieve the atmospheric perspective by adding white to the blues and browns for distant elements.

techniques