plate no. 2497
Naples View From the Scudillo
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and layering to create depth. They will also learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes.
- step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, creating subtle variations in tone.
- step 03
Establish the distant cityscape with a muted, hazy palette.
- step 04
Paint the large masses of the hills and foliage, using darker greens and browns in the foreground.
- step 05
Add details to the buildings and figures, keeping them simple and suggestive.
- step 06
Refine the tree on the right, paying attention to its unique shape.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Glaze with thin washes of color to unify the painting.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · sap green · ivory black
Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of blue. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors for distant objects.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·layering
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overworking details in the background, which should remain soft and hazy.
- →Creating too much contrast in the distant cityscape.
- →Making the colors too saturated, losing the subtle atmospheric effect.
- →Not establishing a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (#2, #4, #6)
- ·flat brush (#8)
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
- ·soft cloth
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·easel
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
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