plate no. 7143

Via Torta, Firenze

oilRealismcityscapebuildingsstreetfigureswindowsshadowscityscape

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice capturing light and shadow in an urban environment, as well as simplifying complex architectural details with expressive brushstrokes. Students can learn to create depth and atmosphere using value and color temperature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Begin building up the colors of the buildings, focusing on the warm and cool tones.
step 04
Add details to the windows and doors, using darker values to create depth.
step 05
Paint the figures in the street, simplifying their forms and focusing on their placement within the scene.
step 06
Refine the shadows and highlights, paying attention to the direction of the light.
step 07
Add final details and textures with small, expressive brushstrokes.
step 08
Adjust values and colors as needed to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · viridian · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of ochre and umber with white to create the building colors. Use viridian and ultramarine for the green shutters and shadows, and burnt sienna for warm accents.

techniques