plate no. 9089

Place du Chatelet

oilImpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsfigurestreesstreetsky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing atmospheric perspective and rendering reflections on wet surfaces. It also provides practice in simplifying complex architectural details and figures using expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes: buildings, monument, and street layout.
step 02
Establish the sky with a thin wash of grey and subtle cloud variations.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the buildings with simplified colors and values.
step 04
Add the trees and foliage using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the figures and carriages with quick, gestural strokes, focusing on their silhouettes.
step 06
Create the reflections on the wet street using horizontal strokes and slightly desaturated colors.
step 07
Add details like windows, architectural elements, and lampposts.
step 08
Refine the overall composition and adjust values to create depth.

color palette

primary · grey · ochre · white · umber

secondary · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Mix various shades of grey by combining white, umber, and a touch of blue or crimson. Use ochre and yellow for the warm highlights on the buildings and trees. Create muted colors by mixing complementary colors together.

techniques