plate no. 6476

Mangalia Street

oilImpressionismcityscapebuildingsstreettreefigurecityscapelamp

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning how to create depth using color washes and how to suggest details with loose brushwork. Students can practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, street, tree, and figure.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted yellow ochre and burnt sienna to the entire paper.
step 03
Start with the sky using a diluted grey-blue wash, leaving some areas white.
step 04
Paint the buildings with washes of yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and a touch of red, varying the intensity for depth.
step 05
Add the tree trunk and branches with a mix of burnt umber and a touch of blue.
step 06
Paint the figure with dark brown and touches of red and yellow.
step 07
Add details like windows, the lamp, and street lines with a fine brush and darker colors.
step 08
Add shadows with diluted purple and blue washes.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium red · payne's grey

Mix yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the warm tones of the buildings. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create a range of browns and greys. Dilute colors significantly for transparent washes.

techniques