plate no. 9115

The Cathedral at Siena

oilRealismcityscapearchitecturearchwaybuildingcityscapeshadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting architectural forms with light and shadow, and in creating depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. Students will also learn to simplify complex details into suggestive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the archway and the building visible through it, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest values with thin washes of color, focusing on the shadow patterns.
step 03
Block in the mid-tones, gradually building up the form of the archway and the building beyond.
step 04
Begin to refine the details of the archway, using small brushstrokes to suggest texture and ornamentation.
step 05
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
step 06
Add highlights to the areas where light is strongest, such as the building in the background.
step 07
Adjust values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and harmonious composition.
step 08
Add final details and refine the brushwork to capture the expressive quality of the original.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and beige by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre to add warmth to the highlights. Add a touch of ivory black to darken shadows.

techniques

·dry brushing
·scumbling
·layering
·value studies
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality of the original.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a flat and unconvincing image.
→Using colors that are too saturated, creating a jarring and unnatural effect.
→Ignoring the importance of edges and blending, leading to a harsh and unrealistic depiction.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, raw sienna, titanium white, yellow ochre, ivory black)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags