plate no. 6786

Flower Seller at La Madeleine

Edouard Cortes

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapecityscapefiguresflowersbuildingstreesstreet

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