plate no. 9534

Notre Dame De Paris from Quai Des Grands Augustins

C. R. W. Nevinson, 1930

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscaperiverbridgebuildingstreesNotre Dame

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice perspective, layering, and capturing the atmosphere of a cityscape. It also provides an opportunity to experiment with expressive brushstrokes and color mixing to create depth and texture.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective lines of the buildings, bridge, and river.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of color for the sky, water, buildings, and trees using thin washes.
step 03
Develop the values and details of the buildings and bridge, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Add details to the water, capturing the reflections and movement.
step 05
Paint the trees and branches in the foreground, using a dry brush technique to create texture.
step 06
Add the figures and vehicles on the bridge and along the riverbank.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · cadmium red

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining raw umber, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre to create warm highlights on the buildings and trees.

techniques