plate no. 6549

Venice, the Entrance to St Mark’s Basilica

Antonietta Brandeis, 1926

oilRealismcityscapearchitecturebuildingcolumnsfigurescityscapearches

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering architectural details, understanding atmospheric perspective, and capturing the effects of light and shadow on complex forms. It also provides practice in painting figures within a larger scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic proportions and perspective of the building and figures.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the light source and begin to build up the highlights and shadows on the columns and arches.
step 04
Add details to the architectural elements, such as the carvings and moldings.
step 05
Paint the figures, paying attention to their proportions and placement within the scene.
step 06
Refine the colors and values, adding subtle variations to create depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final details, such as the reflections on the ground and the highlights on the figures.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix burnt umber and yellow ochre to create the warm tones of the building. Add titanium white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Use ultramarine blue to create the cooler tones of the sky and shadows. Mix raw sienna with burnt umber for the darker areas.

techniques

·dry brushing
·glazing
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·chiaroscuro

common pitfalls

→Getting the perspective wrong, especially with the receding columns and arches.
→Overworking the details, which can make the painting look stiff and unnatural.
→Failing to capture the subtle variations in color and value, which can flatten the image.
→Ignoring the importance of atmospheric perspective, which can make the painting lack depth.