plate no. 8639

Where There are People Money May Be Made

oil, panelBaroquegenre paintingfiguresmarketdogsbuildingsskycrowd

experienced study

This painting is a good study in creating depth using atmospheric perspective and rendering figures in a monochromatic palette. Recreating it will help students practice value control and brushwork economy.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch outlining the main shapes and figures, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the overall warm, earthy tone of the painting with a thin wash of burnt umber or similar color.
step 03
Block in the sky and background, gradually lightening the values towards the horizon to create atmospheric perspective.
step 04
Start defining the figures, beginning with the larger shapes and gradually adding details.
step 05
Focus on capturing the gestures and expressions of the figures with simple brushstrokes.
step 06
Add the details of the buildings and other elements in the background, keeping them soft and indistinct.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to create form and depth.
step 08
Add final details, such as the dogs, clothing folds, and textures.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · titanium white

Achieve the various shades by mixing burnt umber with white for lighter tones, and adding small amounts of black for darker tones. Use yellow ochre to add warmth to highlights.

techniques