plate no. 6658

Fontenay Aux Roses, probablement la cour intérieure du 24 rue Boucicaut

Fernand Combes, 1911

charcoal, gouacheImpressionismcityscapebuildingsstreetfigurealleywayarchitecturedog

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective drawing, value studies, and creating texture with charcoal and gouache. It also encourages observation of light and shadow in an urban environment.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
step 02
Establish the darkest areas with charcoal, focusing on the shadows and details in the foreground.
step 03
Add mid-tones with lighter charcoal strokes, gradually building up the values.
step 04
Use white gouache to highlight the lightest areas, such as the window shutters and reflections on the street.
step 05
Refine the details of the buildings, including the windows, doors, and architectural elements.
step 06
Add the figure and dog, paying attention to their proportions and placement within the scene.
step 07
Blend and soften edges where necessary to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches and details to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

primary · charcoal gray · white gouache · tan (paper color)

secondary · light blue-gray · dark brown

Mix white gouache with small amounts of charcoal to create various shades of gray. Use the tan of the paper as a mid-tone.

techniques

·charcoal blending
·gouache highlights
·perspective drawing
·value shading
·cross-hatching

common pitfalls

→Incorrect perspective
→Overworking the details
→Failing to establish a strong value range
→Uneven blending

materials

surface · Toned paper or drawing paper

required

·Charcoal pencils (soft, medium, hard)
·White gouache
·Tan or toned paper
·Kneaded eraser
·Blending stumps
·Soft brushes
·Fixative spray

optional

·Palette knife
·Ruler
·Sandpaper block

Using a toned paper will help to establish the mid-tones of the painting more easily. Experiment with different charcoal grades to achieve a range of values.

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