plate no. 6786

Flower Seller at La Madeleine

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapecityscapefiguresflowersbuildingstreesstreet

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in depicting atmospheric perspective and creating depth through color and value changes. Students can also learn to simplify complex scenes by focusing on key shapes and using loose brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of buildings, figures, and the flower stall.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of neutral color, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the buildings, sky, and street, using a limited palette.
step 04
Add details to the figures, focusing on their shapes and gestures.
step 05
Paint the flower stall, using a variety of colors and textures to create a sense of abundance.
step 06
Develop the trees and foliage, using broken brushstrokes to suggest leaves and branches.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed.

color palette

primary · titanium white · cadmium red · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt umber · viridian green · cadmium yellow

Mix various grays and browns by combining ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and white. Achieve the red awning color by mixing cadmium red with a touch of yellow ochre. Create greens by mixing viridian green with cadmium yellow and white.

techniques