plate no. 4275

Santa Maria Della Salute, Venice

Martín Rico y Ortega, 1902

oilImpressionismcityscapewaterbuildingsgondolasskyfigurescityscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the subtle color variations in water and architectural details. They will also learn to simplify complex scenes by focusing on key shapes and values.

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 horizon line and the placement of major landmarks.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, creating a subtle gradient from top to bottom.
step 03
Establish the main shapes of the buildings and gondolas with simplified forms and values.
step 04
Begin layering colors in the water, using horizontal brushstrokes to suggest movement.
step 05
Add details to the buildings, focusing on the play of light and shadow.
step 06
Paint the figures, simplifying their forms and using small brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the details in the gondolas and water, adding highlights and reflections.
step 08
Add final touches, such as birds and small details in the architecture.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium red light · viridian

Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky and water. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber to create warm tones for the buildings. Add small amounts of red and green to create variations in the shadows.

techniques