plate no. 2918

Pompei

oilImpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingshillsskywater

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors and using directional brushstrokes to create form and texture. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the landscape and buildings, paying attention to the horizon line.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of yellow and blue, blending the colors softly.
step 03
Establish the dark values of the hills and foreground with a mix of brown and green.
step 04
Add the basic shapes of the buildings using a mix of ochre, brown, and white.
step 05
Develop the details of the buildings with thicker paint and directional brushstrokes.
step 06
Add highlights to the buildings and landscape using lighter shades of ochre and yellow.
step 07
Refine the details and add any final touches, such as small figures or boats.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely and then varnish for protection.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix yellow ochre and ultramarine blue for the greens of the hills. Use burnt umber and ultramarine blue for dark shadows. Add titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques