plate no. 6147
Sighs
Alessandro Milesi, 1910
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering figures in motion and capturing atmospheric perspective using a limited color palette. It also provides practice in creating texture and detail with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement and proportions of the figures and the architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar earth tone.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas, starting with the darkest values and gradually working towards the lighter ones.
- step 04
Develop the details of the figures, paying attention to the folds of the clothing and the expressions on their faces.
- step 05
Refine the architectural elements, adding details to the bridge and the surrounding buildings.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 07
Glaze over areas to unify the colors and create a sense of atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red light · viridian
Achieve the muted greens by mixing viridian with burnt umber and white. Use small amounts of cadmium red to create warm browns and flesh tones.
techniques
- ·dry brush texture
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·chiaroscuro
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details too early in the process.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·raw sienna oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·viridian oil paint
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a toned canvas to start.
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