plate no. 1704

Honfleur, La Rue Gambetta

Fernand Combes, 1913

pencil, gouache, charcoalImpressionismcityscapebuildingsstreetfigurescobblestonescityscapearchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective drawing, atmospheric perspective, and rendering textures like cobblestones and aged buildings. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and light using a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective lines of the street and buildings.
step 02
Establish the darkest values with charcoal or a dark pencil, paying attention to shadows and architectural details.
step 03
Apply a thin wash of diluted gouache to create the overall tonal base, starting with the sky and working downwards.
step 04
Layer in darker values with gouache, building up the shadows on the buildings and cobblestones.
step 05
Add highlights to the cobblestones and architectural details to create a sense of light and reflection.
step 06
Refine the details of the figures and other elements, using a fine brush or pencil.
step 07
Use dry brush technique to add texture to the buildings and cobblestones.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · gray · ivory black · yellow ochre

secondary · raw umber · payne's gray

Mix grays by combining ivory black and titanium white. Add small amounts of yellow ochre or raw umber to warm or cool the grays as needed. Use Payne's gray for the darkest shadows.

techniques

·atmospheric perspective
·linear perspective
·dry brush
·value layering
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Incorrect perspective leading to distorted buildings.
→Overworking the details and losing the atmospheric effect.
→Using too much color and losing the subtle tonal variations.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Ignoring the importance of soft edges and blending.

materials

surface · Watercolor paper 140lb

required

·Watercolor paper or mixed media paper
·Graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
·Gouache paints (ivory black, titanium white, yellow ochre, raw umber, payne's gray)
·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
·Flat brush (size 1/2 inch)
·Palette for mixing paints
·Water container
·Paper towels