plate no. 6587
Piazzetta von Settignano
some experience helpful
This painting provides a good opportunity to practice color mixing to achieve muted tones and to learn how to create depth through atmospheric perspective. Students can also develop skills in depicting architectural details and figures in a landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and fountain.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, buildings, and ground using thin washes.
- step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the buildings and fountain.
- step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows, doors, and signs.
- step 05
Paint the figures and horses, paying attention to their proportions and placement.
- step 06
Refine the details of the fountain and add highlights.
- step 07
Develop the texture of the ground with broken brushstrokes.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue
secondary · burnt sienna · sap green · cadmium red light
Mix muted greens by combining yellow ochre, raw umber, and a touch of blue. Achieve the building colors by mixing yellow ochre, raw umber, and white in varying proportions. Use a touch of red to warm up the building tones.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
- ·blocking in
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Failing to establish a clear light source.
- →Ignoring the perspective of the buildings.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylics are more beginner-friendly, but oils allow for more blending.
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