plate no. 8790

Pool at the Alcázar in Seville

Joaquín Sorolla, 1910

oil, canvasImpressionismcityscapegardenpoolarchitecturetreesreflectionpots

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow, as well as creating reflections in water. It also provides practice in depicting foliage and architectural details with loose brushstrokes.

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 placement of the pool, building, and main foliage masses.
step 02
Block in the sky and water with thin washes of color, establishing the overall value range.
step 03
Paint the building and surrounding foliage, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Add the reflections in the water, using slightly darker and muted versions of the colors above.
step 05
Develop the details of the plants and pots, using a variety of brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Refine the edges and details, adjusting the values and colors as needed.
step 07
Add highlights to capture the sunlight.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a varnish.

color palette

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

secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, adjusting the ratio for different shades. Use burnt umber and ultramarine blue to create darks for shadows and reflections.

techniques