plate no. 8541

Paris cityview

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsstreetfiguresskyarchitecture

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in capturing the essence of a scene with loose brushwork and simplified forms. Students will learn to create depth and atmosphere using color temperature and value relationships.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and ground.
step 03
Establish the main buildings and architectural elements, focusing on their shapes and relationships.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and rooftops, using thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the figures and carriages in the foreground, simplifying their forms and focusing on their movement.
step 06
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · titanium white

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights. Add small amounts of blue to darken the shadows.

techniques

·broken color
·alla prima
·scumbling
·color temperature
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
→Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
→Ignoring the value relationships and creating a flat, uninteresting composition.
→Failing to simplify the forms and creating a cluttered, confusing image.