plate no. 4881
Cathédrale
Francis Bott, 1975
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric abstraction and color blocking. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth through subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes and lines of the buildings and landscape, focusing on proportions and perspective.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin, even layer of light blue paint.
- step 03
Begin filling in the larger areas of the landscape with the dominant brown tones, varying the shades slightly to create depth.
- step 04
Add the lighter and darker tones to the buildings, paying attention to the geometric structure and the way light interacts with the forms.
- step 05
Mix and apply the accent colors (e.g., grays, yellows, oranges) to the buildings to add detail and visual interest.
- step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and lines, ensuring clean and precise transitions.
- step 07
Add subtle details and highlights to enhance the overall composition.
- step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely and add a final layer of varnish for protection (optional).
color palette
primary · light blue · burnt sienna · raw umber
secondary · gray · yellow ochre · orange
Mix different shades of brown by combining burnt sienna and raw umber with varying amounts of white or black. Achieve the light blue by mixing a touch of ultramarine blue with titanium white.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·linear perspective
- ·glazing
- ·dry brushing
common pitfalls
- →Inaccurate proportions in the initial sketch.
- →Uneven color application.
- →Overblending the colors.
- →Losing the geometric structure of the buildings.
- →Ignoring subtle value changes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints (light blue, burnt sienna, raw umber, titanium white, yellow ochre, gray, orange)
- ·Set of flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Rags or paper towels
- ·Pencil
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
- ·Varnish
Using a medium-grain canvas will provide a good surface for the paint to adhere to. If using acrylics, consider using a slow-drying medium to allow for more blending time.
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