apprentice
artistsserieslearnchatartworkscommunity gallery
apprentice

deliberate practice for serious artists

aboutgalleryprivacyterms
built by reducibl.com
home·artworks·Rue Saint-Denis in Paris
Rue Saint-Denis in Paris by Thomas Girtin

plate no. 8946

Rue Saint-Denis in Paris

Thomas Girtin, 1802

oilRomanticismcityscapecityscapebuildingsstreetarchskyfigures
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective drawing and atmospheric perspective. It also provides practice in creating subtle color variations to depict light and shadow on architectural forms.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic perspective lines of the street and buildings, focusing on the vanishing point.

  2. step 02

    Establish the horizon line and the placement of the arch.

  3. step 03

    Block in the main shapes of the buildings, paying attention to their relative sizes and proportions.

  4. step 04

    Mix a range of light and dark tones using a limited palette of earth tones and white.

  5. step 05

    Begin applying washes of color to the sky and the street, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective.

  6. step 06

    Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features, using a fine brush.

  7. step 07

    Use dry brush techniques to add texture and create a sense of age and decay on the buildings.

  8. step 08

    Add small figures in the distance to create a sense of scale and activity.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · payne's gray · yellow ochre

Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with white and small amounts of Payne's gray. Use more white for highlights and less for shadows.

techniques

  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·linear perspective
  • ·dry brush
  • ·layering washes
  • ·limited palette

common pitfalls

  • →Incorrect perspective leading to distorted buildings.
  • →Overworking the details and losing the overall atmospheric effect.
  • →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
  • →Failing to create a sense of depth and distance.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

  • ·watercolor paper 140lb
  • ·watercolor paints
  • ·round brushes (sizes 2, 6, 10)
  • ·palette
  • ·water container
  • ·pencil
  • ·eraser

optional

  • ·masking fluid
  • ·ruler
  • ·kneaded eraser

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and allow for multiple washes. A limited palette will help to create a harmonious and unified color scheme.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Romantic Landscape

Romantic Landscape

Karl Lessing

Self-portrait with his brother Francesco

Self-portrait with his brother Francesco

Giuseppe Tominz

Oenone Refuse de Secourir Pâris au Siège de Troie

Oenone Refuse de Secourir Pâris au Siège de Troie

Léon Cogniet

Duke of Alba

Duke of Alba

Francisco Goya

Blick Aus Dem Wald Ins Tal

Blick Aus Dem Wald Ins Tal

Andreas Achenbach

Young Girl Fixing Her Hair

Young Girl Fixing Her Hair

Sophie Gengembre Anderson

The Plough Inn

The Plough Inn

William Shayer

Hudson River Landscape

Hudson River Landscape

Johann Hermann Carmiencke