plate no. 6405

Manœuvres de nuit

Charles Lapicque, 1958

oilFauvismcityscapecityscapebuildingsnightstarsstructuressky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. It also encourages expressive brushwork and bold color choices.

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 composition of the cityscape, focusing on the placement of the major structures.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest blues and purples of the night sky.
step 03
Add the lighter blues and purples to create variations in the sky and to define the shapes of the clouds.
step 04
Begin painting the buildings and structures, using a variety of colors and brushstrokes to create texture and detail.
step 05
Add the details of the lights and stars, using yellows, oranges, and whites.
step 06
Refine the shapes and colors of the buildings and structures, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 07
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.
step 08
Let dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · purple · yellow

secondary · turquoise · white · brown

Mix various shades of blue and purple by combining ultramarine blue with white and a touch of purple. Achieve the turquoise by mixing blue and yellow. Brown can be created by mixing complementary colors.

techniques