plate no. 2403
Presso al lago
Giuseppe de Nittis, 1879
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly capturing subtle skin tones and creating atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in rendering reflections and textures in a snowy landscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure and the horizon line.
- step 02
Establish the background with thin washes of muted colors, creating the illusion of distance and atmosphere.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure, paying attention to proportions and overall form.
- step 04
Start building up the skin tones with layers of subtle color variations, focusing on light and shadow.
- step 05
Add details to the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, using small, precise brushstrokes.
- step 06
Paint the clothing, capturing the texture and folds of the fabric.
- step 07
Add the details of the landscape, such as the trees, water, and waterfowl.
- step 08
Refine the painting by adjusting values, colors, and details as needed.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna
secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining white, black, and umber. Use small amounts of red and yellow to create subtle skin tones.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·portraiture
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the skin tones, resulting in a muddy or unnatural appearance.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth in the landscape.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the snow and water.
- →Getting the proportions of the figure wrong.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for the painting.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
