plate no. 5142

The River

O. Louis Guglielmi, 1942

oilMagic Realismcityscaperiverfigurescityscapebridgeskywater

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in rendering figures in perspective and capturing the subtle color variations in water and sky. Students can also learn about creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective and linear perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the bridge and the placement of the figures.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, water, bridge, and buildings in the distance.
step 03
Begin refining the colors of the water, paying attention to the subtle shifts in tone and value.
step 04
Add details to the buildings in the distance, using a lighter value to create atmospheric perspective.
step 05
Paint the figures, focusing on accurate proportions and simple shading.
step 06
Add details to the bridge, including the railings, lampposts, and tire tracks.
step 07
Refine the shadows and highlights throughout the painting to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details and touch-ups as needed.

color palette

primary · cerulean blue · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · cadmium red light · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of blue and white for the sky and water. Use raw umber and white for the concrete bridge, adding touches of blue and red for subtle color variations. Mix red and yellow for the figures' clothing.

techniques