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home·artworks·Near the Pont d'Arcole, Paris
Near the Pont d'Arcole, Paris by David Cox

plate no. 5927

Near the Pont d'Arcole, Paris

David Cox, 1829

oilRomanticismcityscapebuildingscityscapestreetfiguresskyarchitecture
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and loose watercolor washes. It also provides practice in capturing architectural details with simplified brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.

  2. step 02

    Apply a light wash of diluted blue/gray for the sky, allowing it to dry.

  3. step 03

    Using a larger brush, apply a diluted warm brown wash for the street and lower portions of the buildings.

  4. step 04

    Begin adding darker values to the buildings using blues, browns, and grays, focusing on shadows and architectural details.

  5. step 05

    Use a smaller brush to add details to the windows, signs, and figures.

  6. step 06

    Add highlights with a slightly damp brush to lift color and create a sense of light.

  7. step 07

    Use a fine brush to add details of the figures on the street.

  8. step 08

    Allow to dry completely.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · raw sienna

secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre · white (for lifting)

Mix blues and browns to create various shades of gray for the buildings. Dilute colors significantly for washes. Use more pigment for darker details.

techniques

  • ·wet-on-dry
  • ·dry brush
  • ·lifting
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·washes

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details
  • →Using too much water and losing control
  • →Not establishing a clear value structure
  • →Making the colors too saturated

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

  • ·watercolor paints
  • ·watercolor brushes (round and flat)
  • ·watercolor paper 140lb
  • ·palette
  • ·water container
  • ·pencil
  • ·eraser

optional

  • ·masking fluid
  • ·ruler
  • ·spray bottle

Use good quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve varied effects.

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related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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