plate no. 8500

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Augustus Edwin Mulready, 1901

oil, canvasNaturalismgenre paintingfigurestreet scenearchitectureflowersclothingcityscape

some experience helpful

This painting provides practice in rendering figures with accurate proportions and capturing the subtle light and shadow variations on different surfaces. Students will also learn to create a sense of depth and atmosphere through color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, column, and background elements.
step 02
Establish the main value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar neutral color.
step 03
Block in the local colors of the figure's clothing, the column, and the background buildings.
step 04
Refine the figure's features and clothing folds, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Add details to the column, including the texture and the poster.
step 06
Paint the background figures and buildings, using a limited palette to create a sense of distance.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the flowers, leaves on the ground, and highlights.
step 08
Glaze to unify the painting and adjust the colors as needed.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · alizarin crimson · yellow ochre

secondary · ultramarine blue · viridian green · burnt sienna

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and using white to adjust the values. Use glazes of alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue to create the purples in the flowers and shadows.

techniques