plate no. 8385

Ruins of one of the chambers` soldiers at one of the leading factories in Hadrian`s Villa in Tivoli His

oilNeoclassicismcityscaperuinsarchitecturefigureslandscapearchestrees

experienced study

This painting offers practice in creating depth through value and linear perspective. Recreating it will help students understand how to render complex textures and details using a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main architectural forms and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas of the composition, focusing on the shadows within the ruins.
step 03
Gradually build up the mid-tones, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 04
Add details to the architectural elements, such as the texture of the stone and the shapes of the arches.
step 05
Render the figures in the foreground, using simple shapes and values.
step 06
Create the atmospheric perspective by lightening the values of the distant elements.
step 07
Add the foliage and trees, using varied strokes to suggest texture.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · raw umber · payne's gray

Use varying ratios of black and white to create a full range of grays. Add small amounts of raw umber or payne's gray to create warmer or cooler tones.

techniques