plate no. 0398

Venice

Enrico Prampolini, 1948

oilCubismcityscapebuildingscanalwaterboatscityscapearchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. It also encourages experimentation with bold brushstrokes and color layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the buildings and canal, focusing on the angles and perspective.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background sky and water.
step 03
Define the shapes of the buildings with their respective colors (red, blue, yellow).
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows, doors, and architectural elements, using darker and lighter shades of the base colors.
step 05
Paint the reflections in the water with vertical brushstrokes, using variations of blue and white.
step 06
Add the boat in the foreground, paying attention to its shape and color.
step 07
Refine the edges and details of the painting, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and shapes.

color palette

primary · cobalt blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre

secondary · titanium white · burnt umber

Mix different shades of blue by adding white or burnt umber. Create variations in the red and yellow by adding small amounts of blue or white. Use white to lighten the sky and water.

techniques