plate no. 8799

View of Oudezijds Voorburgwal with the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam

oil, panelBaroquecityscapecityscapebuildingswaterskytreesfigures

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering complex architectural details with subtle color variations. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow to create depth.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings, water, and sky.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the perspective of the buildings along the canal.
step 03
Block in the main color areas: sky, water, buildings, and trees.
step 04
Begin refining the sky with soft, blended clouds, paying attention to the light source.
step 05
Develop the buildings, adding details like windows, roofs, and architectural features, using a limited palette.
step 06
Paint the water, reflecting the colors of the sky and buildings, and add subtle ripples.
step 07
Add the trees and figures, using darker values to create depth and contrast.
step 08
Refine details and add highlights to create a sense of realism.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red light

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of gray for the sky and buildings by combining white, black, and a touch of blue or red. Use yellow ochre and raw umber to create earth tones for the buildings and trees.

techniques

·atmospheric perspective
·glazing
·scumbling
·linear perspective
·rendering

common pitfalls

→Getting the perspective of the buildings wrong.
→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Using colors that are too saturated.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 18x24
·oil paints (raw umber, titanium white, cadmium red light, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, ivory black)
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·linseed oil
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags