plate no. 2587

Le Vieux Rouen, Rue Du Petit Mouton

Fernand Combes, 1913

charcoalImpressionismcityscapebuildingsstreetcityscapearchitecturecobblestonesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective drawing and rendering textures with charcoal. It also provides practice in creating atmospheric perspective through value gradation.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing point(s).
step 03
Block in the darkest areas with charcoal, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Gradually build up the mid-tones, using blending stumps or fingers to soften transitions.
step 05
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and timber framing, using a sharpened charcoal pencil.
step 06
Render the cobblestone street with short, directional strokes.
step 07
Create atmospheric perspective by lightening the values of distant objects.
step 08
Refine the details and add highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ivory black · raw umber

secondary · titanium white · yellow ochre

Mix ivory black and raw umber to create various shades of gray and brown. Use titanium white to lighten values and create highlights. Add a touch of yellow ochre to warm up the tones.

techniques

·charcoal blending
·value gradation
·perspective drawing
·atmospheric perspective
·rendering texture

common pitfalls

→overworking the details
→flattening the perspective
→creating harsh lines
→ignoring value gradation

materials

surface · toned drawing paper

required

·charcoal pencils (soft, medium, hard)
·drawing paper (toned gray or tan)
·kneaded eraser
·blending stumps
·ruler
·fixative spray

optional

·sandpaper block
·palette knife
·chamois cloth

Use a variety of charcoal pencils to achieve different values and textures. Toned paper will help to establish the mid-tones and create a sense of depth.

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