plate no. 5759
St Paul's from Ludgate Hill
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering complex architectural forms with subtle color variations. It also provides practice in depicting a busy cityscape with figures and vehicles.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the main architectural shapes and perspective lines.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of color, focusing on the subtle gradations.
- step 03
Establish the basic values of the buildings, starting with the darkest areas.
- step 04
Gradually build up the details of the architecture, paying attention to the light and shadow.
- step 05
Add the figures and vehicles in the foreground, using small brushstrokes.
- step 06
Refine the details of the buildings and figures, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 07
Glaze over the painting with thin layers of color to create depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · ivory black
Achieve the various browns and grays by mixing burnt umber, yellow ochre, and ivory black with varying amounts of titanium white. Use ultramarine blue to cool down the browns and create atmospheric perspective.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Getting the perspective wrong can ruin the entire painting.
- →Overworking the details can make the painting look stiff and unnatural.
- →Using too much color can detract from the overall atmosphere.
- →Failing to create depth and atmosphere will make the painting look flat.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas (e.g., with a thin wash of burnt umber) to establish a warm undertone.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
