plate no. 8166
Stair study
Giovanni Segantini, 1885
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to depict form using subtle value changes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and distance.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the stairs and architectural elements, paying attention to perspective.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
- step 03
Block in the sky with a thin wash of light gray, blending it smoothly.
- step 04
Apply a base layer of mid-tone gray to the stairs and architectural details.
- step 05
Begin layering darker values to define the shadows and create depth on the stairs.
- step 06
Add lighter values to the tops of the stairs to suggest light and form.
- step 07
Refine the details of the architectural elements, adding subtle highlights and shadows.
- step 08
Add final touches to the sky and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive atmosphere.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · raw umber
secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre
Achieve the various shades of gray by mixing ivory black and titanium white in different proportions. Add small amounts of raw umber or yellow ochre to warm up the grays slightly.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·value layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of perspective.
- →Making the values too uniform, resulting in a flat image.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall atmospheric effect.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, which will clash with the muted palette.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·payne's gray oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
A smooth canvas surface will work best for this painting. Consider using a medium to thin the paint and create smoother blends.
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