plate no. 7060

Nuns in the Certosa Cloister, overlooking a Moonlit Sea towards the Faraglioni, Capri

oil, canvasRomanticisminteriornunscloistermoonlit seaarchesarchitecturelandscape

some experience helpful

This painting offers a great opportunity to practice atmospheric perspective and rendering subtle gradations of light and shadow. Students can also learn to create depth through layering and careful color mixing.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the arches and the placement of the figures.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, starting with the darkest tones in the interior and the sky.
step 03
Develop the values within the arches, creating a sense of depth and shadow.
step 04
Paint the moonlit sea, focusing on the reflections and the highlights on the waves.
step 05
Add details to the figures, paying attention to the folds in their robes and the subtle variations in color.
step 06
Refine the details of the architecture and the landscape, adding texture and interest.
step 07
Glaze the painting with thin layers of color to unify the composition and enhance the atmosphere.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ivory black · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix raw umber and ivory black for the dark areas of the interior. Use titanium white and ultramarine blue for the moonlit sky, adding small amounts of yellow ochre for the moon's glow. Mix burnt sienna and raw umber for the warm tones of the arches.

techniques