plate no. 0138
La Rue Cortot à Montmartre
Léo Gausson, 1884
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in capturing light and shadow on architectural forms and using broken color to create texture. Students will learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings, street, and wall.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, buildings, street, and foliage.
- step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns on the buildings and street.
- step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features.
- step 05
Develop the texture of the wall and foliage using broken color.
- step 06
Refine the details of the lamp post and other small elements.
- step 07
Adjust the overall color harmony and value relationships.
- step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green
Mix various shades of gray for the buildings and sky by combining ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and white. Use yellow ochre and white for the sunlit areas of the street. Create greens by mixing ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt umber.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·dry brushing
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·value study
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
- →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
- →Neglecting the importance of atmospheric perspective.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the broken color effect. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
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