View on Heerengracht in Amsterdam

approach — 8 steps

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, ultramarine blue, and white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red to create the warm tones of the buildings and sky.

techniques

• ·atmospheric perspective
• ·linear perspective
• ·dry brushing
• ·glazing
• ·scumbling

common pitfalls

• →Incorrect perspective can ruin the sense of depth and realism.
• →Overworking the details can make the painting look stiff and unnatural.
• →Failing to capture the atmospheric perspective can flatten the image.
• →Inaccurate proportions of figures can detract from the overall composition.