Paris by David Kakabadze

plate no. 0160

Paris

David Kakabadze, 1920

charcoal, pencil, paperExpressionismcityscapebuildingscityscapearchitecturesignsstreet

some experience helpful

This drawing helps students understand perspective and how to create depth using value. It also provides practice in capturing architectural details and lettering with charcoal or pencil.

technical profile

palette complexity

2

brushwork visibility

4

value contrast

4

compositional simplicity

3

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings.
step 02
Establish the main areas of light and shadow with broad charcoal strokes.
step 03
Refine the details of the buildings, including windows, signs, and architectural elements.
step 04
Add darker values to create contrast and depth, focusing on areas furthest from the light source.
step 05
Use a kneaded eraser to lift charcoal and create highlights.
step 06
Pay attention to the lettering on the signs, capturing their unique styles.
step 07
Add final details and adjust values as needed to complete the drawing.

color palette

primary · charcoal gray · white (of the paper)

secondary · light gray · dark gray

Vary the pressure applied to the charcoal to achieve different shades of gray. Use blending to create smooth transitions between values.

techniques

·hatching
·cross-hatching
·blending
·value shading
·perspective drawing

common pitfalls

→Failing to establish a strong value range, resulting in a flat drawing.
→Overworking the details before establishing the overall composition.
→Ignoring perspective, leading to distorted buildings.
→Not using a kneaded eraser to create highlights and correct mistakes.

materials

surface · Drawing paper (smooth or slightly textured)

required

·Charcoal pencils (soft, medium, hard)
·Kneaded eraser
·Drawing paper (smooth or slightly textured)
·Blending stump or tortillon
·Fixative spray
·Pencil sharpener

optional

·Ruler
·T-square
·Sandpaper block

Use a variety of charcoal pencils to achieve different values and textures. Fixative spray will prevent smudging.

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