plate no. 8178

Paris La Nuit

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsrainfigureumbrellasstreet

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning how to suggest details rather than rendering them precisely, and how to create atmosphere with a limited palette. Students can also practice capturing reflections and the effect of light in a rainy scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, figures, and umbrellas, focusing on composition.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a mid-tone gray wash, leaving areas for highlights.
step 03
Block in the dark areas of the buildings and figures using darker grays and blacks.
step 04
Add the warm yellow light sources under the awnings and their reflections on the wet street.
step 05
Refine the shapes of the figures and umbrellas, suggesting details with loose brushstrokes.
step 06
Use white or light gray to add highlights to the awnings, umbrellas, and reflections.
step 07
Soften edges and blend areas to create a sense of atmosphere and rain.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.