plate no. 2578

Miami Canal, Cincinnati

oil, canvasImpressionismcityscapecanalbuildingscityscapewaterskyfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to suggest detail with loose brushstrokes. It also provides practice in capturing reflections in water.

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, canal, and horizon.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of diluted paint, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the sky, water, buildings, and ground, using broad brushstrokes.
step 04
Develop the details of the buildings, adding windows, doors, and architectural features with thicker paint.
step 05
Create the reflections in the water by mirroring the colors and shapes of the buildings and sky, using vertical brushstrokes.
step 06
Add figures and other details to the scene, such as boats, carriages, and street lamps.
step 07
Refine the brushwork and color variations, paying attention to the atmospheric perspective and the play of light and shadow.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the sense of realism and depth.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining raw umber, white, and small amounts of blue or yellow. Achieve the pinkish hues of the buildings by mixing burnt sienna with white and a touch of red.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·atmospheric perspective
·wet-on-wet blending
·alla prima

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a flat and unconvincing image.
→Making the reflections too literal and symmetrical, instead of suggesting the movement of the water.
→Using colors that are too saturated and bright, instead of capturing the muted tones of the scene.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·oil paints (raw umber, titanium white, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, cadmium red light)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·palette knife
·rags