plate no. 5859
The Acropolis of Athens
Ivan Aivazovsky, 1883
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering convincing light and shadow on complex forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the columns and the Acropolis.
- step 02
Establish the sky with a gradient of blues and whites, blending smoothly.
- step 03
Block in the distant mountains and the hill supporting the Acropolis with muted colors.
- step 04
Paint the columns, focusing on the light and shadow to create a sense of depth and form.
- step 05
Add details to the Acropolis, keeping it soft and slightly blurred to maintain atmospheric perspective.
- step 06
Paint the figures in the foreground, simplifying details and focusing on their silhouettes.
- step 07
Add the birds in the sky with small, dark strokes.
- step 08
Refine details and adjust values to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber
secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · raw sienna
Achieve the atmospheric haze by mixing blues, whites, and a touch of umber. Use yellow ochre and white for the sunlit areas of the columns.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·blending
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details in the background, losing the atmospheric effect.
- →Making the colors too saturated, resulting in a less realistic scene.
- →Ignoring the subtle shifts in value and color that create depth.
- →Not blending the sky smoothly enough, creating a streaky effect.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retouch varnish
- ·medium
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium may be helpful for glazing.
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