plate no. 5288

Rue des Saules in Montmartre

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapestreetbuildingstreesskycityscapefigure

some experience helpful

This painting allows students to practice atmospheric perspective and rendering architectural forms with simplified shapes and colors. It also provides an opportunity to explore limited color palettes and expressive brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the street and the placement of buildings.
step 02
Establish the sky and overall atmospheric tone with a thin wash of muted colors.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the buildings, using darker values for shadows and lighter values for highlights.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows, doors, and architectural features, using small brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the street, varying the colors and values to create depth and texture.
step 06
Add the bare tree branches, using a fine brush and a dark color.
step 07
Introduce the figure in the distance, keeping it simple and small.
step 08
Refine the details and add final touches to the painting.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · cadmium red

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white. Use raw umber and white for the buildings, and add touches of burnt sienna for warmth. Mix ultramarine blue and burnt sienna for the darker areas.

techniques