plate no. 0544

Temple of Hercules Victor, The Piazza di Bocca della Verita and the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin

oil, canvasRomanticismcityscapearchitecturefigurescityscapeskyfountainanimals

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective, figure painting, and architectural rendering. It also provides practice in creating a complex composition with multiple focal points.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings, fountain, and figures.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the vanishing points for the perspective.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the buildings and the sky with thin washes of color.
step 04
Add details to the architecture, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Paint the figures, starting with the larger groups and then adding details to individual figures.
step 06
Develop the foreground with details of the landscape and objects.
step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · viridian

Mix various shades of brown and gray for the buildings and architecture. Use a limited palette to create harmony and unity in the painting. Mix greens from blue and yellow for foliage.

techniques