plate no. 0839
The canal at Ponte San Marco
Giovanni Segantini, 1880
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the bridge, buildings, and canal.
- step 02
Establish the dark values of the buildings and water using a dark brown or black.
- step 03
Block in the sky with a base layer of dark blue, gradually lightening towards the horizon.
- step 04
Add the figures on the bridge, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
- step 05
Begin layering the colors of the buildings, bridge, and water, using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 06
Create the reflections in the water by mirroring the colors and shapes of the objects above.
- step 07
Add highlights to the water and buildings to create a sense of light and depth.
- step 08
Refine the details of the figures and buildings, adding small touches of color and texture.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre · raw sienna
Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the dark areas. Use white to lighten colors for the sky and reflections. Mix red and yellow for the warmer tones in the buildings.
techniques
- ·broken brushstrokes
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
- ·reflection rendering
common pitfalls
- →overworking the details
- →creating muddy colors
- →failing to capture the atmospheric perspective
- →inaccurate reflections
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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