plate no. 0919

New Rome. Castle of the Holy Angel

oilNeoclassicismcityscapecityscaperiverbuildingsboatsfiguressky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, rendering reflections in water, and creating a sense of depth through layering and tonal variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of major landmarks like the buildings, bridge, and Castel Sant'Angelo.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the perspective of the riverbanks and buildings.
step 03
Block in the main color masses for the sky, water, buildings, and landscape using thin washes.
step 04
Develop the sky with subtle gradations of color, creating soft clouds.
step 05
Layer the colors in the water, capturing the reflections of the buildings and sky.
step 06
Add details to the buildings, bridge, and Castel Sant'Angelo, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 07
Paint the figures and boats in the foreground, adding details to their clothing and features.
step 08
Refine the overall painting, adjusting values and colors to create a harmonious and atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black

Achieve the muted tones by mixing earth tones with white and small amounts of blue. Create atmospheric perspective by lightening and desaturating colors as they recede into the distance.

techniques