plate no. 7933

Rooftops

oilPointillismlandscaperooftopsbuildingstreescityscapesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand color mixing for natural light and shadow, and practice the pointillism technique of applying small dots of color to create a larger image.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the rooftops and trees, establishing the composition.
step 02
Mix a light, neutral color for the sky and apply it with small, broken brushstrokes.
step 03
Begin layering in the colors of the rooftops, using variations of red, brown, and orange. Apply paint in small dots or dashes.
step 04
Develop the trees with a range of greens, yellows, and blues, using the pointillist technique to create texture and depth.
step 05
Add highlights and shadows to the buildings and trees to create a sense of form and volume.
step 06
Pay attention to the color temperature, using warmer colors for areas in sunlight and cooler colors for areas in shadow.
step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed to achieve a harmonious and balanced composition.
step 08
Add final touches and allow the painting to dry.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · viridian green · titanium white

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Achieve variations in roof color by mixing burnt sienna with white, yellow ochre, and small amounts of blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques