plate no. 9858
Parthenon
Ippolito Caffi, 1863
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, rendering architectural details, and creating a sense of depth using value and color temperature. Students will also learn to simplify complex forms and capture the essence of a scene.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the Parthenon and other architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a gradient of blues and grays, blending smoothly.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the Parthenon and surrounding landscape with thin washes of color.
- step 04
Develop the values and details of the Parthenon, paying attention to light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the foreground, including the figures and rubble, using a variety of brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, creating a sense of atmosphere and depth.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to the Parthenon and figures.
- step 08
Glaze with thin layers to unify the colors and create a sense of depth.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · raw sienna · cadmium yellow light · ivory black
Mix the sky colors by blending ultramarine blue, titanium white, and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the warm tones of the Parthenon by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and titanium white. Use ivory black sparingly to create shadows.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the Parthenon wrong.
- →Overworking the details and losing the sense of atmosphere.
- →Using too much black and making the painting look muddy.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Pre-toned canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber can help establish a warm undertone.
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