plate no. 0957

Sunset Over the Bay of Naples

Tivadar Kosztka Csontvary, 1901

oilExpressionismlandscapetreeswaterskysunsetarchitecturelandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, and in simplifying complex shapes into basic forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the trees, horizon line, and buildings in the background.
step 02
Block in the sky with a gradient of orange and red, blending the colors smoothly.
step 03
Establish the dark foreground with a mix of browns and blacks, leaving space for the water reflection.
step 04
Paint the trees, starting with the trunks and branches, then adding the foliage with short, textured brushstrokes.
step 05
Add the details of the buildings and lampposts in the background, keeping them simple and silhouetted.
step 06
Create the water reflection by mirroring the colors of the sky and buildings, using horizontal strokes.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees and foliage, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 08
Add final touches, such as small details in the foreground and subtle variations in the sky.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · cadmium orange · alizarin crimson

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Achieve the sunset colors by blending orange and red, and create the dark tones by mixing burnt umber and black. Use yellow ochre to add highlights to the trees and foliage.

techniques