plate no. 2623

View of the Dead Sea from the Temple Square in Jerusalem

Tivadar Kosztka Csontvary, 1905

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsdomesskytreesarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in architectural rendering, perspective, and color mixing to create a harmonious cityscape. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow to define forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and domes.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
step 03
Block in the main color areas: sky, distant hills, and the general tones of the buildings.
step 04
Begin adding details to the buildings, focusing on the brickwork and architectural elements.
step 05
Mix and apply the colors for the red rooftops, varying the tones to create depth.
step 06
Add the details of the domes, including the vertical lines and subtle shading.
step 07
Paint the trees and vegetation, using a variety of greens and browns.
step 08
Refine the details and add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · raw umber

Mix ochre and white for the light-colored buildings, add burnt sienna for warmer tones. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and mix greens with blue and yellow for the vegetation.

techniques

·linear perspective
·color layering
·dry brushing
·architectural rendering
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Incorrect perspective can make the buildings look distorted.
→Overly bright or saturated colors can detract from the overall harmony.
→Lack of detail in the architectural elements can make the painting look flat.
→Ignoring the subtle variations in color and tone can result in a monotonous effect.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
·Oil paints: ochre, burnt sienna, titanium white, ultramarine blue, cadmium red, sap green, raw umber
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife