plate no. 8836

The eruption of 15 June 1794 in Torre del Greco

tempera, paperRomanticismhistory paintingvolcanoeruptionbuildingsfiguressmokelandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering complex textures like smoke and volcanic rock. It also provides practice in depicting architectural details and figures within a landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the volcano, buildings, and figures.
step 02
Establish the sky and distant mountains with diluted washes of blue and gray.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the buildings with light washes of ochre and gray, paying attention to perspective.
step 04
Add darker tones to the volcanic rock and foreground, creating depth and texture.
step 05
Paint the smoke plume using soft, blended layers of gray and white.
step 06
Refine the details of the buildings, adding shadows and highlights.
step 07
Add the figures in the foreground, using small brushes to capture their forms.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the entire painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · payne's gray · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of gray by combining ultramarine blue, raw umber, and titanium white. Use burnt sienna and cadmium red light to create the warm tones of the volcano.

techniques