plate no. 5319

Boulevard Haussmann

oilImpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsfigurestreesstreetParis

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing atmospheric perspective and using loose brushwork to suggest detail rather than rendering it precisely. It also provides practice in depicting reflections and creating a sense of movement.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of buildings, trees, and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the sky with a thin wash of blues and grays, allowing some areas to remain lighter for clouds.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the buildings using muted browns, grays, and creams, paying attention to their relative values.
step 04
Add the darker tones for windows and architectural details, keeping the edges soft and blurred.
step 05
Paint the trees with thin, gestural strokes, using a mix of browns and blacks to create the branches.
step 06
Establish the street surface with a base of grays and browns, then add reflections of the buildings and figures using lighter values.
step 07
Add the figures with quick, loose brushstrokes, focusing on their silhouettes and general shapes.
step 08
Introduce highlights and pops of color to create focal points and add visual interest, such as the lights from the shops.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium yellow · cadmium red light · ivory black

Mix various shades of gray by combining ultramarine blue, raw umber, and titanium white. Achieve warm tones by adding small amounts of cadmium yellow or cadmium red light to the browns and grays.

techniques

·broken color
·atmospheric perspective
·wet-on-wet blending
·scumbling
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
→Creating overly sharp edges, which can flatten the image.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure, resulting in a muddy or indistinct painting.
→Using colors that are too saturated, which can detract from the overall atmospheric effect.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·oil paints
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·rags

optional

·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
·easel
·varnish

Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a toned canvas (e.g., with a thin wash of burnt umber) to create a warmer base.

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