plate no. 4762

Ile de la Cite

Henri Rousseau, 1900

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismcityscapebuildingstreesbridgeskyfigureswater

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.

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: the buildings, bridge, trees, and the water's edge.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, adding white for the clouds.
step 03
Establish the base colors for the buildings using a mix of grey, white, and a touch of blue.
step 04
Paint the bridge and the road with a light grey, adding darker tones for shadows.
step 05
Start building up the trees with dark greens, adding lighter greens and yellows for highlights.
step 06
Add the figures along the road with simple dark shapes.
step 07
Paint the water with a mix of green and brown, reflecting the colors of the surrounding landscape.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to the buildings, trees, and water to create depth and texture.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Yellow Ochre · Titanium White · Burnt Umber

secondary · Cadmium Yellow · Sap Green · Payne's Grey

Mix greens by combining blue and yellow, and greys by mixing white with a touch of black or burnt umber. Achieve the sky color by diluting Prussian Blue with white.

techniques