plate no. 0050

View of Naples from Posillipo

oil, canvasRomanticismcityscapebuildingsfiguresmountainseaskyfoliage

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good opportunity to practice atmospheric perspective and rendering various textures like stone, foliage, and water. Students can also learn about creating depth through layering and value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the building, mountain, and figures.
step 02
Block in the sky and sea with diluted washes of color, establishing the overall tone.
step 03
Establish the main value ranges for the building and foliage, focusing on light and shadow.
step 04
Begin adding details to the building, including windows, arches, and texture.
step 05
Develop the foliage, using a variety of greens and browns to create depth and interest.
step 06
Refine the figures, paying attention to their proportions and clothing.
step 07
Add details to the sea and sky, such as boats and clouds.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the overall sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cerulean blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · sap green

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining raw umber, white, and small amounts of blue or yellow. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding more white to colors as they recede into the distance.

techniques

·atmospheric perspective
·layering
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·color mixing

common pitfalls

→Overworking details too early
→Ignoring value relationships
→Using colors straight from the tube
→Not establishing a clear focal point

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas 18x24
·Oil paints (raw umber, titanium white, cerulean blue, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, sap green)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Rags