plate no. 6218

San Remo (Santa Brigita Arc)

Rudolf Schweitzer-Cumpana, 1939

oilImpressionismcityscapearchitecturearchwayfigurescityscapebuildingstreet

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow with loose brushstrokes and understanding atmospheric perspective to create depth. It also provides practice in simplifying complex architectural forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the archway, the building, and the figures, focusing on proportions and perspective.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure by blocking in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin adding local color, starting with the dominant hues of the building and the sky visible through the arch.
step 04
Develop the details of the architectural elements, such as the columns and the statue, using thicker paint and more defined brushstrokes.
step 05
Add the figures in the foreground, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions within the scene.
step 06
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Use broken color and short brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest.
step 08
Adjust the overall composition and value structure as needed to create a cohesive and balanced painting.

color palette

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

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow · ivory black

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Add small amounts of secondary colors to create subtle variations in hue.

techniques