plate no. 5460
The San Giovanni Crisostomo canal, Venice
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering reflections in water and creating depth through atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in capturing architectural details with loose brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 15 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and canal, paying attention to perspective.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, buildings, and water using thin washes.
- step 03
Establish the darkest shadows and lightest highlights on the buildings to create form.
- step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows, balconies, and architectural features, using smaller brushes.
- step 05
Develop the reflections in the water, using broken brushstrokes to suggest movement.
- step 06
Paint the boats and figures, keeping them relatively simple and suggestive.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light · viridian
Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt sienna, raw umber, ultramarine blue, and white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red light to create the warm tones of the buildings. Add viridian to the blues and browns to create the greenish hues of the water.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·wet-on-dry
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a flat painting.
- →Making the reflections too literal and symmetrical.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the water and buildings.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 18x24
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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