plate no. 1068
View of the Arch of Benevento in the Kingdom of Naples
experienced study
Recreating this image will help students develop skills in linear perspective, rendering fine details, and creating depth through value variations. It also provides practice in depicting complex architectural forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic structure of the arch and surrounding landscape.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing points for perspective.
- step 03
Refine the sketch, adding details to the arch, figures, and background elements.
- step 04
Start applying darker values to define shadows and create depth.
- step 05
Gradually build up the values, adding mid-tones and highlights.
- step 06
Focus on rendering the intricate details of the arch's carvings and textures.
- step 07
Pay attention to the atmospheric perspective, making distant elements lighter and less detailed.
- step 08
Add final touches and refine the overall composition.
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white
secondary · raw umber · payne's gray
Mix varying amounts of black and white to create a full range of grayscale values. Use raw umber and payne's gray sparingly to add subtle warmth or coolness to the grays.
techniques
- ·hatching
- ·cross-hatching
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·linear perspective
common pitfalls
- →Failing to establish accurate perspective early on.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall composition.
- →Not creating enough contrast between light and dark areas.
- →Ignoring the atmospheric perspective and making distant elements too sharp.
materials
surface · smooth drawing paper
required
- ·graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
- ·kneaded eraser
- ·ruler
- ·drawing paper (smooth or slightly textured)
- ·blending stumps
- ·tortillions
optional
- ·mechanical pencil
- ·watercolor pencils
- ·fixative spray
Use a variety of pencil grades to achieve a full range of values. A smooth paper will allow for finer details.
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