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home·artworks·Paris, Les Bords De Sein
Paris, Les Bords De Sein by Alexis Gritchenko

plate no. 4519

Paris, Les Bords De Sein

Alexis Gritchenko, 1923

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscaperiverbridgefiguresboatssky
some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and movement. Students can learn to capture the essence of a scene rather than focusing on precise details.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the river, bridge, and major landmarks.

  2. step 02

    Block in the sky with light blue and gray tones, using horizontal brushstrokes to suggest clouds.

  3. step 03

    Paint the river with dark blue, using short, choppy strokes to represent water movement.

  4. step 04

    Add the bridge with ochre and brown tones, keeping the shapes simple and geometric.

  5. step 05

    Paint the buildings in the background with muted greens and grays, suggesting their distant presence.

  6. step 06

    Add the figures along the embankment, using simple shapes and dark colors.

  7. step 07

    Paint the tree on the left side with green and brown, using vertical strokes to suggest foliage.

  8. step 08

    Add final details and highlights to enhance the texture and depth of the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · sap green · cadmium red

Mix blues and whites for the sky and water. Use umber and ochre for the bridge and embankment. Mix greens with blue and yellow for foliage.

techniques

  • ·impasto
  • ·broken color
  • ·expressive brushwork
  • ·simplification of form
  • ·scumbling

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
  • →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing on the palette.
  • →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
  • →Not varying brushstroke direction to create texture.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·rags

optional

  • ·painting medium
  • ·easel
  • ·apron

Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the impasto effect. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.

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