plate no. 9671

View of the Arch of Septimius Severus

oilNeoclassicismcityscapearchitecturearchfigurescityscaperuinssky

experienced study

Recreating this image will develop skills in linear perspective, value shading, and rendering complex architectural details. Students will also learn to create a sense of depth and atmosphere using tonal variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic proportions and perspective of the arch.
step 02
Divide the arch into major sections (base, archways, upper structure) and sketch these separately.
step 03
Start adding details to the main structure, focusing on the architectural elements and carvings.
step 04
Use hatching and cross-hatching to create variations in tone and texture.
step 05
Add the figures in the foreground, paying attention to their proportions and placement.
step 06
Render the background elements, such as the distant building and sky, with lighter tones.
step 07
Refine the details and add final touches to enhance the overall realism.
step 08
Add the title and signature in the bottom right corner.

color palette

primary · black · white

secondary · gray

Varying the ratio of black and white will create different shades of gray.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·linear perspective
·value shading
·rendering

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate perspective can distort the overall image.
→Overworking the details can make the image appear cluttered.
→Insufficient tonal variation can result in a flat, lifeless rendering.
→Ignoring the relative scale of elements can disrupt the sense of depth.

materials

surface · smooth drawing paper

required

·Graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
·Eraser
·Ruler
·Drawing paper (smooth surface)
·Sharpener
·Blending stump

optional

·Tracing paper
·Drafting tape

Use a variety of pencils to achieve a full range of values. Start with lighter pencils for the initial sketch and gradually build up darker tones with softer pencils.

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