plate no. 1768

Patio in Capri

Konstantin Gorbatov, 1925

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismlandscapepatioarchitecturefoliagemountainsseashadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to capture subtle variations in light and shadow, as well as practice layering techniques to create depth and texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the patio and the placement of key elements like the pillars and foliage.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky, mountains, and sea in the background.
step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the patio floor and walls, using a limited palette of warm and cool tones.
step 04
Develop the foliage, using broken brushstrokes to create texture and depth.
step 05
Add details to the architectural elements, such as the pillars, walls, and flower pots.
step 06
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the subtle shifts in light and shadow.
step 07
Add final details, such as the highlights on the foliage and the texture of the stone.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · sap green · cadmium red · violet

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, adjusting the ratio for warmer or cooler tones. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix violet with red and blue for shadows.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·layering
·alla prima
·impasto

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Failing to capture the subtle shifts in light and shadow.
→Using colors that are too saturated or intense.
→Ignoring the overall composition and focusing too much on individual elements.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·oil paints (yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, titanium white, burnt sienna, sap green, cadmium red, violet)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags