Gondola in Venice

A step-by-step painting guide by Richard Robinson

Finish Monet’s gondola in Venice painting. Claude Monet was 68 years old when he fell in love with Venice. He stayed 2 months and painted 37 paintings, but he never finished the last painting he started there. What would it have looked like? Let’s find out in this workshop. Follow me step by step as I show you the techniques I use to recreate this beautiful scene of a gondola on the Grand Canal from the grand master of Impressionism. Enjoy!

This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.

See the full lesson

"Gondola in Venice" 11x14" Oil on Canvas by Richard Robinson after Claude Monet.

Step 1Monet's Venice Experience

How old was Claude Monet when he discovered Venice?

Claude Monet was 68 years old when he discovered Venice. He and his wife Alice accepted an invitation to stay with a friend there in 1908. If you're interested in learning more about Monet's time in Venice, you can explore the full lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/76-Gondola-in-Venice.

How long did Monet stay in Venice and how many paintings did he produce during that time?

Monet stayed in Venice for two months, during which he painted feverishly and produced a total of 37 paintings. These works have become some of his most popular. For more insights into Monet's Venice experience, visit the lesson page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/76-Gondola-in-Venice.

Why was Monet initially hesitant to paint Venice?

Monet was initially hesitant to paint Venice because so many artists had already painted it before him. However, upon arriving, he was overcome by the beauty of the place and decided to paint it. To delve deeper into Monet's artistic journey in Venice, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/76-Gondola-in-Venice.

What was Monet's painting focus before he went to Venice?

Before visiting Venice, Monet had been focused on painting water lilies in his garden for the previous five years. This shift to a new subject in Venice presented a challenge for him. You can learn more about how Monet adapted to this new scenery by visiting https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/76-Gondola-in-Venice.

Did Monet feel satisfied with his paintings of Venice?

Monet admitted that he struggled with the new subject of Venice and was not altogether happy with his work initially. However, by the end of his stay, he was producing paintings he was more pleased with. For more about Monet's artistic process in Venice, visit https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/76-Gondola-in-Venice.

How does the instructor relate to Monet's experience of painting in a new place?

The instructor relates to Monet's experience by sharing that they also take some time to get comfortable painting new scenery when painting abroad. This common challenge is part of the artistic journey. To explore more about painting in new environments, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/76-Gondola-in-Venice.

Step 2: Monet's Unfinished Gondola Sketch →

Summary & key takeaways

Reflecting on our journey through painting the 'Gondola in Venice,' I set out to capture the essence of Monet's unfinished sketch, bringing it to life with a fresh perspective. We explored the vibrant interplay of light and shadow that Monet so admired in Venice, focusing on creating depth and atmosphere through color and texture. I hope that by revisiting this iconic scene, you found inspiration in Monet's courage to tackle new subjects, even when they seemed daunting at first.

Throughout this lesson, we delved into techniques that Monet might have used, such as his choice of a purplish sketching color and the warm, harmonious tones that unify the painting. By experimenting with these methods, you can develop a deeper understanding of how to convey mood and emotion in your own work. Remember, the key is to balance precision with the freedom of loose brushwork, allowing your unique style to emerge.

As you continue your painting journey, I encourage you to embrace the challenges of new subjects and environments. Just as Monet found his stride in Venice, you too can discover new dimensions in your art by stepping outside your comfort zone. Keep exploring, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep painting.

Points to remember

Use a purplish color for initial sketches to set the tone.
Consider toning your canvas with a light acrylic wash for color harmony.
Balance loose brushwork with drawing accuracy.
Reflect warm light in water slightly darker than the source.
Vary brush stroke sizes to create depth.
Use a warm sky color for sunlight effects and harmony.
Transition colors through the spectrum for dynamic lighting.
Add texture by patting the brush down for a raised surface.