plate no. 1265
Les Invalides
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in architectural rendering with simplified forms and understanding linear perspective, as well as practicing layering colors to achieve a muted palette.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the building and dome, paying attention to proportions.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and vanishing points for perspective.
- step 03
Block in the sky with a thin layer of blue-green paint.
- step 04
Apply a base coat of light yellow-ochre to the building.
- step 05
Add details to the building using darker shades of yellow-ochre and touches of green.
- step 06
Paint the dome with a mix of yellow, orange, and brown, creating subtle variations in tone.
- step 07
Add the figures and fence in the foreground using simple shapes and dark colors.
- step 08
Refine details and add highlights to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · blue-green · raw umber
secondary · burnt sienna · titanium white · black
Mix yellow ochre with small amounts of raw umber and white to create the various shades of the building. Use blue and green with white to create the sky. Burnt sienna and raw umber are used for accents and shadows.
techniques
- ·linear perspective
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·simplified forms
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the architectural details.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Ignoring the perspective and proportions.
- →Creating harsh lines instead of soft transitions.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brush (size 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil or acrylic medium
- ·mineral spirits or water for cleaning
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a smooth surface to allow for easier blending. Acrylics are recommended for beginners due to their faster drying time.
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