plate no. 6860

Les Invalides

oilImpressionismcityscapebuildingskyfigurescityscapedomearchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing light and shadow with loose brushstrokes. It also provides practice in simplifying complex architectural forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the building and figures.
step 02
Block in the sky with broad strokes, using a mix of blues, whites, and grays to create the cloudy effect.
step 03
Establish the base color of the foreground, using a warm yellow-brown and varying the tone slightly.
step 04
Start building up the form of the building, focusing on the overall shape and major shadow areas.
step 05
Add details to the building, such as windows and architectural features, but keep them simplified.
step 06
Paint the figures in the foreground, paying attention to their silhouettes and the way light falls on them.
step 07
Add the details of the trees and the fence in the background.
step 08
Refine the painting with small details and adjustments to values and colors.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black

Achieve the sky color by mixing ultramarine blue, white, and a touch of yellow ochre. Use burnt umber and yellow ochre to create the warm tones of the building and foreground. Vary the tones by adding white or black.

techniques