plate no. 6665

Nuit romaine

Charles Lapicque, 1958

oilFauvismcityscapecityscapebuildingsskytreesmoonfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey form and texture. It also encourages experimentation with color and non-traditional color combinations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition of the scene, focusing on the placement of buildings, trees, and the moon.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background sky and ground.
step 03
Add the main colors for the buildings, using simplified shapes and bold brushstrokes.
step 04
Define the shapes of the trees and foliage with varying shades of green and blue.
step 05
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features, using darker and lighter shades of the base colors.
step 06
Paint the moon with a soft, diffused glow, blending the edges into the sky.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

primary · green · purple · white · blue

secondary · brown · yellow · black

Mix various shades of green by combining yellow and blue with white. Create purple by mixing red and blue, and adjust the shade with white or black. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·blocking in
·expressive brushstrokes
·color mixing
·simplification
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original painting.
→Using colors that are too saturated or intense, resulting in a harsh and unnatural look.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point, making the composition feel chaotic.
→Not simplifying the forms enough, resulting in a cluttered and confusing image.