plate no. 7097

Chartres Cathedral

Chaim Soutine, 1934

oil, panelExpressionismcityscapecathedralarchitecturebuildingskycityscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing the essence of a subject rather than precise detail. It also encourages experimentation with color and texture to convey mood and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the cathedral and its towers, focusing on proportions.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes of blue, purple, and white, allowing colors to blend on the canvas.
step 03
Establish the main areas of light and shadow on the cathedral using a mix of yellow, green, and brown.
step 04
Add details to the architecture with thicker paint and visible brushstrokes, emphasizing the verticality of the structure.
step 05
Use darker colors to define the windows and other architectural elements.
step 06
Create texture by applying paint in short, choppy strokes and varying the pressure on the brush.
step 07
Refine the colors and values, adjusting the overall balance of the painting.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue. Achieve various shades of brown by mixing burnt umber with yellow ochre and alizarin crimson. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques