plate no. 2939

Ydra

Periklis Vyzantios, 1959

oilImpressionismlandscapebuildingslandscapecityscapeskyarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose brushwork and color mixing to create atmospheric perspective. It also encourages simplification of complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the buildings and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying a thin wash of diluted paint across the canvas.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the sky, buildings, and foreground, using broad brushstrokes.
step 04
Begin to define the shapes of the buildings with thicker paint and more distinct brushstrokes.
step 05
Add details such as windows, rooftops, and architectural features, using a smaller brush.
step 06
Create depth and atmosphere by layering colors and values, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust the colors and values as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · purple · raw umber

Mix yellow ochre and white for the sunlit areas of the buildings. Use burnt sienna and raw umber for shadows and darker areas. Add a touch of ultramarine blue to create cooler tones in the sky and distant areas.

techniques

·broken color
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
→Using too much detail in the background, which can flatten the image.
→Not paying attention to the values, which can make the painting look muddy.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt sienna, titanium white, ultramarine blue, raw umber)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (flat and round)
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits