plate no. 4132

Moulin de Coty, Cahors

oilImpressionismcityscapebuildingswatertreesskyfigurereflections

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow on architectural forms and rendering reflections in water. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and colors.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, trees, and water, focusing on proportions and composition.
step 02
Block in the main color areas using thin washes, establishing the overall value structure.
step 03
Develop the sky with soft, blended brushstrokes, creating a sense of atmosphere.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows, doors, and rooflines, using thicker paint and more defined brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the reflections in the water, mirroring the colors and shapes of the buildings and trees above.
step 06
Refine the foliage with broken brushstrokes, suggesting texture and depth.
step 07
Add the figure and other small details to enhance the narrative.
step 08
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a harmonious and unified painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow light · viridian

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Mix greens by combining blue and yellow.

techniques