plate no. 2356

The Last of Old Westminster

oil, canvasRealismcityscapebridgeriverbuildingsboatsfiguressky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the impression of a scene with loose brushwork. It also provides practice in depicting complex structures with simplified forms.

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 bridge, buildings, and river, focusing on proportions and perspective.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
step 03
Block in the main color areas using thin washes of color, starting with the sky and water.
step 04
Gradually build up layers of paint, adding details to the bridge and buildings.
step 05
Use thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to create texture and interest.
step 06
Pay attention to the values and contrasts to create depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add the figures and boats as small details, using simple shapes and colors.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining raw umber, yellow ochre, and ivory black. Use ultramarine blue and titanium white for the sky, and add a touch of yellow ochre for warmth. Burnt sienna can be used to add warmth to the browns.

techniques

·scumbling
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective
·broken color
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated or bright.
→Ignoring the atmospheric perspective and failing to create depth.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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