plate no. 5087
Döbelnsgatan
Eugène Jansson, 1889
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to create depth using color and value changes. It also provides practice in rendering textures with visible brushstrokes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the street and buildings.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing point.
- step 03
Block in the large shapes of the buildings, street, and sky with thin washes of color.
- step 04
Add the darker values to create shadows and define forms.
- step 05
Begin layering colors to build up the textures of the street, buildings, and trees.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figures and lamppost.
- step 07
Add highlights and adjust values to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
- step 08
Finish with subtle details and adjust the overall color balance.
color palette
primary · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna
secondary · sap green · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre
Mix raw umber and white for the street and buildings. Use burnt sienna for the brick wall and roofs. Add small amounts of blue and green to the sky and foliage to create depth.
techniques
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Getting the perspective wrong can ruin the composition.
- →Overworking the details can make the painting look stiff.
- →Not paying attention to value changes can flatten the image.
- →Using too much detail in the background will reduce the sense of depth.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·burnt sienna oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·sap green oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·round brushes size 2, 4, and 6
- ·linseed oil
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·medium gloss
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
