plate no. 4549

Couple in the street

oil, canvasPointillismgenre paintingfiguresstreetbuildingssidewalklamppostsshadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand pointillism and how small dots of color create a larger image. It also provides practice in color mixing and creating a sense of depth through color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: the figures, buildings, and lampposts.
step 02
Establish the basic color scheme with a thin wash of neutral tones.
step 03
Begin applying small dots of color, starting with the darkest areas.
step 04
Gradually build up layers of dots, varying the colors to create highlights and shadows.
step 05
Pay attention to the color relationships between the dots to create a sense of harmony.
step 06
Work on one section at a time, gradually filling in the entire canvas.
step 07
Step back frequently to assess the overall effect and make adjustments as needed.
step 08
Add final details and refine the edges of the shapes.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · titanium white

Mix yellow ochre with small amounts of burnt umber and ivory black to create a range of neutral tones. Use cadmium red and viridian green sparingly to add subtle color variations.

techniques