plate no. 0817

The Forum, Pompeii, with Vesuvius in the Distance

oil, canvasRomanticismlandscaperuinscolumnsmountainskylandscapevegetation

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing atmospheric perspective and rendering architectural forms in a realistic manner. Students will also learn about color temperature and how to create depth using subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the columns and the mountain.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the perspective of the forum.
step 03
Block in the sky with a light blue wash, gradually darkening towards the top.
step 04
Lay in the basic shapes of the mountain, using a muted purple-gray color.
step 05
Begin painting the ruins, starting with the darkest shadows and gradually adding highlights.
step 06
Add details to the columns and other architectural elements, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 07
Paint the foreground vegetation, using a variety of greens and browns.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue

secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · sap green

Mix various shades of gray for the mountain using white, raw umber, and a touch of blue. Achieve the warm tones of the ruins by mixing burnt sienna with yellow ochre and white. Use sap green mixed with raw umber and white for the vegetation.

techniques

·atmospheric perspective
·linear perspective
·glazing
·dry brushing
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Incorrect perspective
→Overly saturated colors
→Lack of value contrast
→Ignoring atmospheric perspective
→Rushing the initial sketch

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints (raw umber, titanium white, cerulean blue, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, sap green)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags