plate no. 0701

Houses at Bonnieux

oilImpressionismlandscapebuildingstreesskyarchitecturelandscapewall

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in capturing light and shadow on architectural forms. Recreating it will help students develop skills in color mixing and creating depth through atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, trees, and wall, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the sky color with a thin wash of light blue-green.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the buildings with simplified color values.
step 04
Add the darker tones to the trees, indicating the foliage mass.
step 05
Refine the shapes of the buildings and trees, adding details and adjusting values.
step 06
Work on the wall in the foreground, capturing its texture and the play of light.
step 07
Add highlights and final details to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition, ensuring a harmonious balance of colors and values.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · cerulean blue · burnt sienna · sap green

Mix various shades of white with yellow ochre and a touch of burnt sienna to create the warm tones of the buildings. Use cerulean blue and white for the sky, adding a touch of green for variation. Mix raw umber with sap green and burnt sienna for the trees.

techniques