plate no. 0143
The Cabildo on Jackson Square
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the building, the street, and the figures.
- step 02
Establish the basic color blocks for the sky, building, and ground using thin washes.
- step 03
Add darker values to define shadows and architectural details.
- step 04
Begin layering colors to create depth and texture in the building facade.
- step 05
Use short, broken brushstrokes to suggest the foliage and figures.
- step 06
Add highlights to the building, figures, and street to create a sense of light.
- step 07
Refine the details of the windows, arches, and other architectural elements.
- step 08
Add final touches to the figures and foliage, paying attention to color and value.
color palette
primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · viridian green
secondary · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue · raw umber
Mix various shades of white with yellow ochre and burnt sienna to achieve the building's color. Use viridian green mixed with yellow ochre and a touch of white for the shutters and foliage. Mix alizarin crimson with burnt sienna for the roof.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Making the figures too detailed and distracting from the overall scene.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushwork. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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