plate no. 6879
Paris Rooftops, Montmarte
Beauford Delaney, 1965
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict a cityscape at night using a limited palette and geometric forms. It also provides practice in creating depth through overlapping shapes and subtle value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and rooftops.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the major angles of the roofs.
- step 03
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, buildings, and rooftops.
- step 04
Refine the shapes and add details like windows, chimneys, and antennas.
- step 05
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 06
Mix and apply the subtle color variations within each area.
- step 07
Add the foliage in the foreground.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · payne's gray
Mix the sky by blending ultramarine blue and white, adding a touch of burnt umber for depth. Achieve the various grays and blues for the buildings by mixing white, blue, and umber in different proportions. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red sparingly for window light and roof details.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the color palette.
- →Ignoring the perspective of the rooftops.
- →Making the values too uniform, resulting in a flat image.
- →Losing the geometric structure of the buildings.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (12x12 or similar)
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·varnish
A smooth canvas surface is recommended for easier blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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