plate no. 0473
The Torre del Orologio
Francesco Guardi, 1770
some experience helpful
Recreating this sketch will help students develop skills in perspective drawing and capturing architectural details with loose, expressive lines. It also provides practice in suggesting depth and atmosphere using value variations.
technical profile
palette complexity
1
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the buildings, paying attention to perspective.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing points.
- step 03
Add the main architectural details, such as windows, arches, and decorative elements.
- step 04
Sketch in the figures and market stalls, keeping them in proportion to the buildings.
- step 05
Use hatching and cross-hatching to create shadows and define forms.
- step 06
Vary the pressure of your pencil to create different values and add depth.
- step 07
Soften some edges to suggest atmospheric perspective.
- step 08
Add final details and refine the drawing.
color palette
primary · graphite · white (paper)
secondary ·
Varying pressure on the graphite pencil will create different shades of gray.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·perspective drawing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·line weight variation
common pitfalls
- →getting the perspective wrong
- →overworking the details
- →making the lines too uniform
- →not varying the value enough
materials
surface · smooth drawing paper
required
- ·graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
- ·sketchbook or drawing paper
- ·eraser
- ·ruler
optional
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·tortillon or blending stump
- ·fixative spray
Use a range of graphite pencils to achieve different values. A kneaded eraser is helpful for lifting graphite and creating soft edges.
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