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 2Monet's Unfinished Gondola Sketch

Why did Monet never finish his sketch of the gondola in Venice?

Monet never finished his sketch of the gondola in Venice because he either didn't think it was worth pursuing or he simply ran out of time and energy for the subject. It's interesting to note that although he started this sketch, he didn't revisit it even when he returned to his Venice paintings four years later for a successful exhibition. For more insights into Monet's work and this lesson, you can visit the sales page at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/76-Gondola-in-Venice.

How long was it before Monet revisited his Venice paintings?

It was four years before Monet revisited his Venice paintings. During this time, he prepared for a very well-received exhibition of 29 paintings from his time in Venice. However, the gondola sketch remained unfinished. To explore more about Monet's work and techniques, check out the lesson at https://mypaintingclub.com/lessons/76-Gondola-in-Venice.

How many of Monet's Venice paintings were included in his exhibition?

Monet's exhibition included 29 paintings from his time in Venice. Despite the success of this exhibition, the sketch of the gondola was not among the finished works. For a deeper dive into Monet's painting process and this particular lesson, 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.