plate no. 2474
Busy street scene in Paris; flower vendors
Victor Gabriel Gilbert, 1890
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting figures in a landscape and capturing atmospheric perspective with subtle color shifts. It's also a good exercise in creating a sense of depth and movement.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures, the flower cart, and the main architectural elements.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the perspective of the street and sidewalk.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, trees, and ground, using thin washes.
- step 04
Add the darker values to define the shadows and forms of the figures and buildings.
- step 05
Begin layering in details, starting with the larger elements like the flower cart and then moving to the smaller figures.
- step 06
Mix and apply colors for the flowers, paying attention to the variations in hue and value.
- step 07
Refine the details of the figures' clothing and faces, using small brushstrokes.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue
secondary · alizarin crimson · cadmium yellow light · viridian
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using white to adjust values. The sky is a mix of white, blue, and a touch of yellow ochre. The ground is primarily yellow ochre and burnt umber with variations for highlights and shadows.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·figure drawing
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Getting the perspective wrong, especially with the street and buildings.
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·rags
A medium-textured canvas is recommended. Use a limited palette to achieve color harmony.
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