plate no. 6454

Gare de Lest

Antoine Blanchard

oilImpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsfiguresstreetskytrees

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, train station, and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the sky with broad strokes of gray and blue, creating a sense of atmosphere.
step 03
Block in the main areas of color for the buildings, using a limited palette of warm and cool tones.
step 04
Add the darker values to define the shadows and architectural details.
step 05
Paint the figures with quick, gestural strokes, suggesting their forms without over-defining them.
step 06
Create the reflections on the wet street using horizontal strokes and varying the values.
step 07
Add details like the tree branches and street lamps, using a fine brush.
step 08
Refine the overall composition, adjusting values and colors as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric scene.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ivory black

Mix grays by combining ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium yellow to create warm highlights. Add a touch of alizarin crimson to create richer browns and reds.

techniques