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home·artworks·The Augustus Bridge over the River Nera, near the City of Narni, Italy
The Augustus Bridge over the River Nera, near the City of Narni, Italy by Jean-Joseph-Xavier Bidauld

plate no. 6396

The Augustus Bridge over the River Nera, near the City of Narni, Italy

Jean-Joseph-Xavier Bidauld, 1790

oil, canvasNeoclassicismlandscapebridgeriverlandscapetreesfiguresmountains
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and layering techniques to create depth. It also provides practice in rendering realistic foliage and architectural details.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the bridge, river, and major landforms.

  2. step 02

    Establish the sky and distant mountains using thin washes of diluted paint.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main areas of color for the trees, river, and foreground, paying attention to value relationships.

  4. step 04

    Begin layering details in the trees and foliage, using a variety of greens and browns.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the bridge and architectural elements, focusing on accurate perspective and form.

  6. step 06

    Paint the figures and animals, keeping them small and in proportion to the landscape.

  7. step 07

    Refine the details in the foreground, adding texture and variation to the ground and vegetation.

  8. step 08

    Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · sap green · cadmium yellow · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and vary the tones by adding brown or white. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening and desaturating colors in the distance.

techniques

  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·layering
  • ·glazing
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·scumbling

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Using colors that are too saturated, especially in the distance.
  • →Ignoring the principles of perspective when painting the bridge.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
  • ·oil paints (ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, sap green)
  • ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
  • ·palette
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
  • ·palette knife
  • ·rags

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·retouch varnish
  • ·easel

Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber before beginning.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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