plate no. 5819

A Park at Night

pastel, canvasPost-Impressionismlandscapetreesparknightstreetlightslandscapecityscape

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice atmospheric perspective and color mixing to create a sense of depth and mood. Students can learn to simplify shapes and focus on capturing the overall tonal values of the scene.

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 of the trees, the ground, and the lamppost.
step 02
Establish the overall dark blue-green background tone with a thin wash.
step 03
Block in the darker areas of the trees and the ground, leaving some areas lighter to suggest light.
step 04
Add the lighter tones of the tree trunks, blending them softly into the background.
step 05
Paint the lamppost and the glow of the lights using a brighter yellow.
step 06
Soften the edges of the shapes to create a hazy, atmospheric effect.
step 07
Add subtle variations in color to the ground and the trees to create depth.
step 08
Refine the details of the lamppost and the lights.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Ultramarine Blue · Yellow Ochre

secondary · Titanium White · Burnt Umber · Sap Green

Mix blues with small amounts of yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the various shades of blue-green. Use white sparingly to create highlights and the glow of the lights.

techniques