plate no. 3287

THE BASILICA OF ESZTERGOM (GRAN) FROM THE DANUBE

Marianne Stokes, 1909

oilImpressionismlandscapebuildinglandscapewaterskyhillarchitecture

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in atmospheric perspective and creating a sense of depth through color and value changes. Students can also learn to simplify complex architectural forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the building, hill, and water, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray wash, blending it softly.
step 03
Establish the base color of the water with a muted yellow-brown.
step 04
Paint the hill with a mix of greens, adding darker shadows and lighter highlights to create form.
step 05
Begin defining the architectural details of the building with a light gray-purple, using a smaller brush.
step 06
Add darker tones to the building to create shadows and depth.
step 07
Refine the details of the building and the foliage on the hill.
step 08
Add final touches to the water, reflecting the colors of the sky and the surrounding landscape.

color palette

primary · light blue-gray · green · yellow-brown · gray-purple

secondary · dark green · light yellow · red-brown

Mix the sky color by combining white, a touch of blue, and a hint of yellow. Achieve the green for the hill by mixing blue and yellow, adding brown for muted tones.

techniques