The ruined temple in Baalbek by Gustav Bauernfeind

plate no. 2891

The ruined temple in Baalbek

Gustav Bauernfeind

oilRomanticismcityscaperuinsarchitecturecolumnsstonelandscapefigure

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering realistic textures of stone and creating atmospheric perspective. It will also improve their understanding of light and shadow on complex forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

4

brushwork visibility

3

value contrast

4

compositional simplicity

3

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a rough sketch to establish the composition and perspective.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Start building up the textures of the stone walls and columns with layers of paint.
step 04
Pay attention to the direction of light and shadow to create depth.
step 05
Add details to the figures and vegetation.
step 06
Refine the colors and values to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and details.
step 08
Let it dry and add a varnish.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

Mix raw umber and burnt sienna with white for the stone. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky. Yellow ochre can be used to warm up the stone colors.

techniques

·glazing
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Getting the perspective wrong
→Overworking the details
→Not creating enough contrast
→Using colors that are too saturated

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·#2 round brush
·#6 flat brush
·raw umber oil paint
·burnt sienna oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·linseed oil

optional

·palette knife
·medium gloss
·odorless mineral spirits

Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture.

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