plate no. 7418

View from the Cellar of Diego Martelli

oilRealismcityscapebuildinggardenarchitecturetreesshadowsdoorway

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to depict light and shadow to create depth. It also provides practice in rendering architectural details and foliage.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic composition and perspective lines.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of the building, foliage, and doorway with thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the darkest shadows within the doorway and on the building.
step 04
Gradually build up the colors and values, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the architecture, such as the arches and window.
step 06
Refine the foliage with short, broken brushstrokes.
step 07
Pay attention to the atmospheric perspective, making distant elements softer and less detailed.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue

secondary · sap green · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining raw umber and titanium white. Achieve the green foliage by mixing sap green with yellow ochre and a touch of blue. Use small amounts of cadmium red to add warmth to certain areas.

techniques