plate no. 3458

Paesaggio

Ottone Rosai, 1922

oilExpressionismlandscapelandscapetreesbuildingshillsskyfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, and in using expressive brushstrokes to define forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings, trees, and horizon line.
step 02
Apply a thin wash of burnt umber or raw sienna to tone the canvas.
step 03
Block in the sky with a mix of blues and whites, varying the tones for depth.
step 04
Establish the dark masses of the trees and buildings with dark greens, browns, and blues.
step 05
Layer lighter greens and whites to create the foliage texture, using broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and rooflines, with muted colors.
step 07
Define the tree trunks and branches with dark browns and grays.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and adding highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white · sap green

secondary · yellow ochre · raw sienna · cadmium red light

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows with touches of brown. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding white to colors as they recede into the distance.

techniques