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home·artworks·View of Delphi
View of Delphi by Claude Lorrain

plate no. 1162

View of Delphi

Claude Lorrain, 1672

oil, canvasClassicismlandscapelandscapearchitecturefigurestreesskymountain
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and creating depth through layering of values. It also provides practice in rendering complex forms like architecture and figures within a landscape setting.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the mountain, buildings, and figures.

  2. step 02

    Establish the sky with a gradient of light blue to white, blending smoothly.

  3. step 03

    Block in the dark values of the mountain and trees, paying attention to the overall shape.

  4. step 04

    Begin layering lighter values on the mountain to create form and texture.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the buildings, using a fine brush for precision.

  6. step 06

    Paint the figures in the foreground, simplifying their forms and focusing on their placement.

  7. step 07

    Add highlights to the figures and foliage to create a sense of light and shadow.

  8. step 08

    Refine the details and blend the colors to create a cohesive and atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and green by combining raw umber, yellow ochre, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten the colors and create atmospheric perspective.

techniques

  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·glazing
  • ·layering
  • ·blending
  • ·scumbling

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the overall atmospheric effect.
  • →Creating too much contrast, which can flatten the image.
  • →Making the figures too detailed and distracting from the landscape.
  • →Not establishing a strong value structure early on.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas 18x24
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·raw umber oil paint
  • ·titanium white oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·burnt sienna oil paint
  • ·ivory black oil paint
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·easel

Use a medium-tooth canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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