plate no. 9022

Roofs and Cathedral in Rouen

Othon Friesz, 1908

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingscathedralroofsskyclouds

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, as well as simplifying complex architectural forms into basic shapes. Students will also practice capturing the atmosphere of a cityscape with expressive brushstrokes.

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 cathedral and rooftops, focusing on proportions and perspective.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of gray and lavender, using loose, swirling brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the main color masses of the buildings, using a limited palette of earth tones and grays.
step 04
Layer darker values to define shadows and create depth within the rooftops and cathedral.
step 05
Add highlights to suggest light reflecting off the surfaces, using thicker paint and brighter colors.
step 06
Refine the details of the cathedral, focusing on the architectural elements and textures.
step 07
Use short, broken brushstrokes to create a sense of movement and energy throughout the painting.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric composition.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow light · purple

Mix various shades of gray by combining white, umber, and a touch of blue or purple. Achieve the roof colors by blending burnt sienna with umber and white, adjusting the ratios for different tones.

techniques

·broken color
·scumbling
·layering
·alla prima
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic feel.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing on the palette.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a flat and lifeless painting.
→Ignoring the atmospheric perspective, causing the background to appear too sharp.