plate no. 4388

Figures on a street

oilImpressionismcityscapestreetbuildingsfigurearchitecturecityscapeshadows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in creating atmospheric perspective and simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes. It also provides practice in capturing light and shadow to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
step 02
Block in the main areas of light and shadow with thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the darkest darks and lightest lights to create a value range.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as doors and windows, using simple shapes.
step 05
Paint the figures, focusing on their overall form and gesture.
step 06
Refine the shadows and highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add texture to the street and buildings with broken brushstrokes.
step 08
Adjust the colors and values to create a harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · sap green · ultramarine blue

Mix raw umber and white for the lighter tones of the buildings and street. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna for warmer highlights. Add a touch of blue to the shadows to create depth.

techniques