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 18Finishing the Painting

How do you finish a painting like 'Gondola in Venice'?

To finish a painting like 'Gondola in Venice', you can add a bit of warmth and darkness to enhance the final touches. Once you're satisfied with the painting, sign it to mark your work. Finally, remove any tape used during the painting process to reveal the clean edges of your artwork. For more detailed guidance, you can explore the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/76-Gondola-in-Venice.

What should I do after completing my painting?

After completing your painting, it's a great idea to celebrate your work! You can imagine yourself in the spirit of Monet by putting on a French beret, perhaps enjoying a glass of wine, and admiring your finished piece. This enjoyment is part of the artistic process. For more inspiration and techniques, visit 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.