plate no. 2043

Utrecht

Włodzimierz Zakrzewski, 1978

oilRealismcityscapecityscapecanaltreesbuildingsbridgewater

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impasto techniques and capturing reflections in water using broken color.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the canal and the placement of buildings and trees.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or raw sienna.
step 03
Begin applying thicker paint with visible brushstrokes to define the shapes of the buildings and trees.
step 04
Mix and apply colors for the water, using short, broken strokes to create the effect of reflections and movement.
step 05
Add details to the trees, such as branches and leaves, using a smaller brush and varying colors.
step 06
Refine the details of the buildings, including windows and architectural features.
step 07
Adjust the values and colors throughout the painting to create depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt umber · raw sienna · Prussian blue

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and titanium white. Add small amounts of blue or green to create cooler tones for the water and shadows.

techniques