plate no. 2509

Grande Vue De Brooklyn Panoramique 4

oil, linenContemporary Realismcityscapecityscapebuildingsskywaterbridgeurban

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning how to create depth using atmospheric perspective and how to suggest detail rather than rendering every element precisely. Students will also practice layering and glazing techniques to achieve the muted color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Prepare a linen canvas with a neutral ground.
step 02
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the horizon line with charcoal or a diluted wash.
step 03
Block in the sky with a thin layer of blue-gray paint, using horizontal brushstrokes.
step 04
Establish the dark values of the water and the bridge in the foreground.
step 05
Begin layering the buildings, starting with the darkest shadows and gradually adding lighter tones.
step 06
Use dry brush techniques to suggest texture and details in the buildings.
step 07
Glaze over certain areas with thin washes of color to unify the composition and create atmospheric perspective.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to the buildings and the sky.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre

Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with raw umber and white. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre for warm highlights on the buildings.

techniques