plate no. 3293
La Place Clichy
Pierre Bonnard, 1912
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing atmospheric perspective and using broken color to create a sense of movement and light. It also encourages simplification of forms and focusing on overall impression rather than precise detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and buildings.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of diluted paint.
- step 03
Block in the main shapes of the buildings and figures with broad strokes.
- step 04
Begin layering colors, using short, broken brushstrokes to create texture and light.
- step 05
Pay attention to the relationships between warm and cool colors to create depth.
- step 06
Refine the details of the figures and buildings, but avoid overworking the painting.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and form.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall effect, making adjustments as needed.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors. Use white to lighten values and create subtle shifts in color temperature.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
- ·color layering
common pitfalls
- →overworking details
- →muddying colors
- →losing the overall impression
- →ignoring value relationships
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the broken color effect. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
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