plate no. 1713

The destruction of the tree of liberty in Largo di Palazzo

gouache, watercolor, paperRomanticismgenre paintingcityscapefiguresstatuebuildingsskyflags

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective drawing, particularly atmospheric perspective, and in rendering complex scenes with many figures. It also provides practice in mixing subtle color variations to create depth and realism.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes and perspective lines of the buildings, statue, and landscape.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing points to guide the perspective.
step 03
Block in the basic colors of the sky, buildings, and ground, paying attention to the overall value structure.
step 04
Begin adding details to the buildings, including windows, architectural elements, and shadows.
step 05
Paint the statue, focusing on the light and shadow to create form.
step 06
Add the figures in the foreground and background, simplifying their shapes and colors to suggest distance.
step 07
Refine the details of the flags, banners, and other decorative elements.
step 08
Add final touches, such as highlights and shadows, to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red · titanium white · payne's gray

Mix various shades of yellow ochre and burnt umber for the buildings. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, adding a touch of red for the clouds. Create muted tones by mixing complementary colors.

techniques