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home·artworks·The Quay, Olaveaga, Bilbao
The Quay, Olaveaga, Bilbao by Luis Paret y Alcazar

plate no. 6009

The Quay, Olaveaga, Bilbao

Luis Paret y Alcazar, 1786

oilRocococityscapecityscapewaterboatsfiguresbuildingssky
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering complex scenes with numerous figures. It also provides practice in creating subtle color variations to depict light and shadow.

technical profile

palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes: mountains, buildings, water, and sky.

  2. step 02

    Establish the horizon line and the basic perspective of the buildings.

  3. step 03

    Block in the large areas of color: sky, water, mountains, and buildings, using thin washes.

  4. step 04

    Develop the sky with layers of blended blues, grays, and whites to create cloud formations.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the mountains, varying the greens and browns to suggest depth and texture.

  6. step 06

    Paint the buildings, paying attention to the subtle color variations in the walls and roofs.

  7. step 07

    Add the figures and boats, starting with the larger shapes and gradually adding details.

  8. step 08

    Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black

Mix blues and whites for the sky, adding touches of raw umber for the darker areas. Use raw umber, yellow ochre, and burnt sienna for the buildings and landscape, adjusting the proportions to achieve the desired color variations.

techniques

  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·glazing
  • ·scumbling
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·blending

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details too early in the process.
  • →Failing to establish a clear sense of perspective.
  • →Using colors that are too saturated or intense.
  • →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the shadows.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·oil paints
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
  • ·palette
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·palette knife

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel
  • ·mahl stick

Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a toned ground to help establish the overall color harmony.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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