plate no. 0016

The Thames from Somerset House Terrace towards the City

linen, canvas, oilRocococityscapecityscaperiverboatsbuildingsfiguressky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering complex architectural details. It also provides practice in painting figures in a landscape setting.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the major shapes: the river, the buildings, and the sky.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the basic perspective of the buildings along the river.
step 03
Block in the sky with a light blue, blending it towards the horizon with a touch of yellow.
step 04
Paint the distant buildings with muted colors, focusing on their overall shapes rather than individual details.
step 05
Add the river, using darker blues and greens in the foreground and lighter, grayer tones in the distance.
step 06
Paint the boats and figures, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 07
Add details to the buildings and figures in the foreground, such as windows, doors, and clothing.
step 08
Refine the painting with highlights and shadows, adding depth and dimension to the scene.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light · ivory black

Mix blues and yellows with white to achieve the sky's subtle gradients. Use umber and sienna for the buildings, adjusting with white and black for value. Create the water with various mixes of blues, greens, and grays.

techniques