plate no. 6571

Large French Landscape

Matthew Smith, 1914

oilFauvismcityscapebuildingscityscapehousesroofsskytrees

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning about simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to create mood and depth. Students can practice expressive brushstrokes and color mixing to capture the essence of the scene rather than realistic details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and landscape, focusing on composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color with thin washes, starting with the background.
step 03
Layer in darker values to define the shapes and create depth.
step 04
Add details such as windows and roof lines with thicker paint.
step 05
Use expressive brushstrokes to create texture and movement.
step 06
Refine the colors and values, adjusting as needed to create a harmonious composition.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow · red · blue · white

secondary · green · orange · pink

Mix various shades of pink by combining red and white. Create orange by mixing red and yellow. Achieve green by mixing blue and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques