plate no. 6816
Place de la Republic and of Happyness
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in rendering figures with accurate proportions and creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective. Students can also learn to mix muted colors and capture subtle variations in light and shadow.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figures and the background elements.
- step 02
Establish the main color blocks for the figures, statue, and buildings.
- step 03
Begin adding details to the faces and clothing, paying attention to the folds and textures.
- step 04
Develop the background, using lighter values and less detail to create depth.
- step 05
Refine the details in the foreground figures, adding highlights and shadows.
- step 06
Add the small details like the medals and the statue's features.
- step 07
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and adjust the values.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows for a polished look.
color palette
primary · Prussian blue · Burnt umber · Titanium white
secondary · Yellow ochre · Raw sienna · Payne's gray
Mix muted blues and grays by combining Prussian blue, burnt umber, and white. Use yellow ochre and raw sienna for the warm tones in the clothing and buildings.
techniques
- ·Figure drawing
- ·Atmospheric perspective
- ·Color mixing
- ·Glazing
- ·Rendering fabric
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions of the figures wrong
- →Overworking the details in the background
- →Using colors that are too bright
- →Not creating enough depth in the background
materials
surface · Stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas 12x16
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brush (size 8)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Easel
Use a smooth canvas for easier blending. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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