plate no. 2364
Le Pont Saint Michel, Paris
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing reflections in water and simplifying complex architectural forms into basic shapes. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve atmospheric perspective.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the bridge, buildings, and trees, paying attention to perspective.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas: sky, water, buildings, and foliage.
- step 04
Start adding details to the bridge and buildings, focusing on light and shadow.
- step 05
Develop the reflections in the water, using slightly muted and blended colors.
- step 06
Refine the details of the trees and foliage, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 07
Add the small figures on the bridge and along the riverbank.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · viridian green · cadmium yellow · raw sienna
Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and white. Achieve the green hues by mixing yellow ochre and ultramarine blue, adjusting the ratios for different shades.
techniques
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·simplified shapes
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
- →Making the reflections too sharp and defined.
- →Using too much pure color without mixing and muting.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints (ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt umber, titanium white, viridian green, cadmium yellow, raw sienna)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·color chart
Use a medium-grit canvas for better texture. Consider pre-toning the canvas with a thin wash of burnt umber to create a warm underpainting.
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