plate no. 9006

Naples. The Capella Nuova outside the Porta di Chiaja

oilRomanticismcityscapebuildingarchitectureskycloudscityscapedome

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and architectural rendering. It also provides practice in mixing subtle color variations to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the building and horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, adding subtle variations for the clouds.
step 03
Establish the main values of the building, starting with the darkest shadows and lightest highlights.
step 04
Mix a range of neutral tones for the building's walls and roof, paying attention to the subtle color shifts.
step 05
Add details to the building, such as windows, doors, and architectural features.
step 06
Paint the foreground, blending the colors to create a sense of depth.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

Mix the sky color by gradually adding white to ultramarine blue. Use raw umber and burnt sienna mixed with white to create the various tones of the building. Add touches of yellow ochre for warmth.

techniques