plate no. 6956

Piazza del Popolo w Rzymie

Aleksander Gierymski, 1901

oilRealismcityscapecityscapebuildingsobeliskfigurestreessky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective, color mixing for atmospheric effects, and rendering figures in a landscape. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth through layering and value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic perspective and placement of major elements (buildings, obelisk, trees).
step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the sky, buildings, and ground using thin washes.
step 03
Establish the darker values in the shadows of the buildings and trees.
step 04
Begin adding details to the buildings, paying attention to architectural features and light/shadow patterns.
step 05
Develop the foliage of the trees, using varied greens and browns to create texture and depth.
step 06
Add the figures and other details in the foreground, paying attention to their proportions and placement.
step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, adjusting as needed to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · raw umber · cadmium red light

Mix burnt sienna and ultramarine blue with varying amounts of white to create the sky and atmospheric haze. Use yellow ochre and raw umber to create the warm tones of the buildings and ground, and add cadmium red light for accents.

techniques