plate no. 6129

Blue Shutter Patio

Colette Pope Heldner, 1928

oilImpressionismcityscapebuildingcourtyardplantsfiguredoorwaybalcony

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as understanding how light affects different surfaces.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, doorway, and figure, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: the brick, the foliage, the sky, and the figure's clothing.
step 03
Begin layering colors on the buildings, using variations of reds, oranges, and browns to create the brick texture.
step 04
Add details to the plants, using different shades of green and blue to suggest depth and variety.
step 05
Paint the blue door and shutters, using lighter and darker shades to create dimension.
step 06
Add details to the figure, focusing on the highlights and shadows to give it form.
step 07
Refine the details throughout the painting, such as the potted plants and the awning.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · sap green · cadmium red light · cerulean blue

Mix burnt sienna and ultramarine blue to create various shades of brown and gray for the buildings and shadows. Use yellow ochre and ultramarine blue for muted greens. Add white to create lighter tints.

techniques