plate no. 9930

In Constantine

Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1908

oilImpressionismcityscapebuildingscityscapefiguresarchitecturestreet scenesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and atmosphere, as well as simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values. Students will also learn to capture the effect of light and shadow on architectural forms.

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 of the buildings and the tower, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue wash, allowing variations in tone.
step 03
Establish the main value areas on the buildings using diluted washes of color.
step 04
Begin layering colors on the buildings, using vertical brushstrokes to suggest texture and light.
step 05
Add details to the windows and architectural features, keeping them soft and impressionistic.
step 06
Paint the figures in the foreground with simplified shapes and colors.
step 07
Refine the shadows and highlights to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final details and adjust the overall composition as needed.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · viridian green · alizarin crimson

Mix blues and yellows to create various greens for the shadows and highlights on the buildings. Use white to lighten colors and create a sense of atmosphere. Burnt sienna and alizarin crimson can be mixed to create warm browns for the foreground.

techniques