Step-by-step painting guide

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

Step 11Monet's Brushwork and Color Vibrations

How does Monet achieve the shimmering effect in his paintings?

Monet achieves the shimmering effect by combining brush strokes of slightly different colors in one space. This technique, known as broken color, involves laying strokes of different colors next to and on top of each other without blending them. This allows the viewer's eye to do the blending, giving the painting a rich, colorful shimmer. For more insights into Monet's techniques, visit the lesson page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/76-Gondola-in-Venice.

What is the most common element of Monet's work?

The most common element of Monet's work is his loose brushwork and the color vibrations he achieves with broken color. By placing strokes of different colors next to and on top of each other without blending them, Monet creates a vibrant and shimmering effect. To explore more about Monet's techniques, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/76-Gondola-in-Venice.

Why is the video overexposed, and how can I still see the colors?

The video is a bit overexposed, which makes it difficult to see the colors clearly. However, you can refer to the finished painting in the bottom right-hand corner of the video to see the colors and the shimmering effect Monet is famous for. For a deeper understanding of the techniques used, visit the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/76-Gondola-in-Venice.

How does Monet's technique of broken color work?

Monet's technique of broken color involves laying strokes of different colors next to and on top of each other without blending them. This allows the viewer's eye to blend the colors naturally, creating a vibrant and shimmering effect. To learn more about this technique, you can visit the lesson page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/76-Gondola-in-Venice.

What is the difference between the two paintings compared in the video?

In the video, two paintings are compared to illustrate how Monet sometimes painted over more than others. The painting on the left has been much more heavily overpainted than the one on the right. This comparison helps to highlight the variations in Monet's approach to achieving his signature shimmering effect. For further exploration, visit the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/76-Gondola-in-Venice.

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.