plate no. 1914

Buildings at Passy, Pari

Christopher Wood, 1927

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapebuildingscityscapetreeswaterboatsfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and forms. Students will also learn to create a sense of atmosphere through subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition of the buildings, boats, and water.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the sky, buildings, water, and foreground using thin washes.
step 03
Begin adding details to the buildings, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Paint the trees and figures, simplifying their forms and using a limited color palette.
step 05
Add details to the boats and water, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 06
Refine the overall composition, adjusting colors and values as needed.
step 07
Add final details, such as highlights and shadows, to create depth and interest.
step 08
Allow to dry and then add a varnish.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · sap green · payne's gray · cadmium yellow

Mix yellow ochre with white to create the light tones of the buildings. Use raw umber and payne's gray for shadows. Mix sap green with yellow ochre for the foliage.

techniques