plate no. 0814
Jackson Street, French Quarter
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and loose, expressive brushwork. Students will also learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, street, and trees, focusing on perspective.
- step 02
Block in the main colors of the sky, buildings, and ground with thin washes.
- step 03
Add darker values to define shadows and create depth.
- step 04
Layer in the foliage of the trees using broken brushstrokes and varied greens and reds.
- step 05
Paint the lampposts and figures with quick, gestural strokes.
- step 06
Add highlights to the buildings, street, and trees to create a sense of light.
- step 07
Refine the details of the buildings and figures, but maintain a loose, impressionistic style.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white · cadmium yellow
secondary · alizarin crimson · viridian green
Mix various shades of brown and gray for the buildings and street. Use a combination of blues and whites for the sky. Mix greens with yellow and blue, and add touches of red for the foliage.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and not harmonious.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create texture and interest.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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