
plate no. 0536
Bernardo Bellotto, 1758
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective, atmospheric perspective, and rendering complex architectural details. It also provides practice in painting figures in a landscape setting.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Begin with a light sketch to establish the perspective and major compositional elements.
Block in the sky with a thin wash of blue and white, paying attention to the subtle gradations.
Establish the horizon line and the basic shapes of the distant landscape.
Paint the main architectural structure, focusing on accurate proportions and details.
Add the garden elements, including the trees, hedges, and fountains, using a variety of greens and browns.
Introduce the figures, paying attention to their scale and placement within the scene.
Refine the details and add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
Add final glazes to unify the painting and enhance the colors.
color palette
primary · cerulean blue · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light · ivory black
Achieve the sky colors by mixing cerulean blue and titanium white, adding a touch of yellow ochre for warmth. Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, raw umber, and cerulean blue. Use burnt sienna and raw umber for earth tones.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next.
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