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home·artworks·View of Paestum
View of Paestum by Jean-Leon Gerome

plate no. 2800

View of Paestum

Jean-Leon Gerome

oilOrientalismanimal paintingbuildingcolumnswateranimalslandscapesky
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in blocking in shapes, understanding atmospheric perspective, and using a limited palette to create a cohesive scene. It also provides practice in depicting animal forms and reflections in water.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the building, water, and animal groups.

  2. step 02

    Block in the sky and water with broad strokes, establishing the overall color tone.

  3. step 03

    Establish the basic shapes and colors of the building, paying attention to the light and shadow.

  4. step 04

    Add the main animal figures, focusing on their basic forms and proportions.

  5. step 05

    Refine the details of the building, including the columns and architectural elements.

  6. step 06

    Add details to the animals, including their horns, eyes, and fur texture.

  7. step 07

    Create reflections in the water, using slightly darker and blurred versions of the objects above.

  8. step 08

    Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and realism of the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black

secondary · titanium white · raw umber · viridian green

Mix burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the building. Use ultramarine blue and titanium white for the sky, and add a touch of burnt sienna to create a hazy effect. Mix raw umber and ivory black for the animals, and add touches of yellow ochre for highlights.

techniques

  • ·blocking in
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·dry brushing
  • ·color mixing
  • ·scumbling

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking details too early
  • →Incorrect proportions of the animals
  • →Muddying the colors by over-mixing
  • →Ignoring the effects of light and shadow

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·burnt sienna oil paint
  • ·ultramarine blue oil paint
  • ·yellow ochre oil paint
  • ·ivory black oil paint
  • ·#6 round brush
  • ·#4 flat brush
  • ·palette

optional

  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·odorless mineral spirits
  • ·easel

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

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