plate no. 7262

Le Pont Neuf, Paris

Paule Vézelay, 1921

oilImpressionismcityscapecityscapebridgerivertreesstatuebuildings

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop their understanding of perspective and how to create depth using varying line weights and densities. It will also improve their ability to render complex subjects with a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective lines of the bridge and buildings.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the vanishing point(s).
step 03
Begin adding darker values to the areas in shadow, such as under the bridge and within the trees.
step 04
Use hatching and cross-hatching to build up the values in the buildings and the statue.
step 05
Create texture in the water by using short, broken lines that follow the direction of the current.
step 06
Add details to the foreground elements, such as the lamppost and the figures.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to emphasize the focal points.