plate no. 0697

Santa Maria del Carmelo and Scuola Grande dei Carmini

John Singer Sargent, 1910

oil, canvasImpressionismcityscapebuildingarchitecturecityscapefacadewindowsshadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow on architectural forms, as well as simplifying complex structures into basic shapes. It also provides practice in using a limited palette to create a sense of atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic shapes and perspective of the buildings.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Establish the darkest darks and lightest lights to create contrast.
step 04
Develop the details of the architecture, such as windows and moldings, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 05
Pay attention to the direction of light and how it affects the colors and shadows.
step 06
Soften edges and blend colors where necessary to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix white with yellow ochre and a touch of burnt umber to create the warm tones of the buildings. Use ultramarine blue to cool down the shadows. Raw sienna can be used to create a range of earth tones.

techniques