plate no. 3984

Soluppgang over Staden

oilSymbolismmarinacityscapewaterboatsskybuildingssunrise

some experience helpful

This painting is a great exercise in atmospheric perspective and creating depth with subtle color shifts. Students will learn to blend colors smoothly and create a sense of mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, dividing the canvas into sky, city, water, and foreground.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-green mix, blending upwards to a lighter tone.
step 03
Paint the distant cityscape as a dark silhouette, using a mix of dark green and blue.
step 04
Lay in the water with a mid-tone green, reflecting the sky and city.
step 05
Add the boats and their reflections, keeping them dark and simplified.
step 06
Paint the foreground embankment and vegetation, using darker greens and browns.
step 07
Add details like the building on the water and the suggestion of figures.
step 08
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the atmospheric perspective.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White

secondary · Burnt Umber · Cadmium Red

Mix greens by combining Prussian Blue and Yellow Ochre. Use white to lighten values and create atmospheric haze. Add a touch of red to darken greens and create shadows.

techniques