plate no. 9882

Santa Panagia (Sicily)

Renato Guttuso, 1956

oilExpressionismlandscapebuildingslandscapevillageskyroadhills

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey texture and form. Students will learn to mix a range of muted and vibrant colors to create a dynamic composition.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the road, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, buildings, and landscape using simplified shapes.
step 03
Start adding details to the buildings, such as roof lines and windows, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 04
Develop the landscape with layers of color, blending some areas and leaving others with distinct brushstrokes.
step 05
Mix and apply darker tones to define shadows and create depth in the buildings and along the road.
step 06
Add highlights to the buildings and landscape to create contrast and visual interest.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
step 08
Add final touches with small details and textures.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · ivory black

Mix various shades of gray and beige by combining white, ochre, and a touch of black or burnt sienna. Achieve the dark blues by mixing ultramarine with black. Create the greens by mixing yellow ochre and ultramarine with a touch of white to lighten.

techniques