plate no. 0035

Parisian Promenade

Iosif Iser, 1930

oilImpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsstreetpeopletreessky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing atmospheric perspective and simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes. It also provides practice in using loose brushstrokes to create texture and movement.

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, street, and trees, focusing on proportions and perspective.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of blues and grays, allowing some variation in tone.
step 03
Establish the main value masses of the buildings, using a limited palette of warm and cool grays.
step 04
Add the darker accents of windows and architectural details, keeping the edges soft.
step 05
Paint the trees with a mix of greens, yellows, and browns, using broken brushstrokes to suggest foliage.
step 06
Indicate the figures in the street with simple shapes and colors, focusing on capturing their movement.
step 07
Add the signage and other details, such as the red triangle, with careful attention to color and placement.
step 08
Refine the painting by adjusting values, softening edges, and adding final touches of color.

color palette

primary · gray · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red · sap green

Mix various shades of gray by combining ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, and white. Achieve the greens by mixing ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, and a touch of burnt sienna.

techniques