plate no. 7685

Vesuvius, From Pompeii

oilImpressionismcityscaperuinsmountainskycloudsarchitecturelandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and color mixing to create a sense of depth and distance. It also provides practice in rendering architectural forms with simplified shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountain, ruins, and foreground.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue, adding hints of yellow and white for the clouds.
step 03
Establish the mountain's shape and color using a muted purple or lavender.
step 04
Paint the foreground with a base of yellow ochre, gradually adding darker tones for shadows and variations.
step 05
Begin defining the ruins with simplified shapes and values, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns.
step 06
Add details to the architecture, such as columns and arches, using a smaller brush.
step 07
Refine the overall composition by adjusting values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches, such as highlights and subtle details, to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · raw umber · cadmium yellow light · alizarin crimson

Mix muted purples for the mountain by combining ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson with white. Achieve the foreground color by blending yellow ochre with burnt sienna and raw umber for shadows.

techniques