plate no. 2010

Sketch of the Paris City Hall

oilRomanticismsketch and studyfigureshistorical sceneinteriorcrowdroyaltyarchitecture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in loose brushwork, capturing figures in motion, and creating a sense of depth through tonal values. It also teaches how to suggest detail rather than rendering every element precisely.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the main figures and the overall structure.
step 02
Block in the large shapes with thin washes of color, establishing the light and dark areas.
step 03
Begin adding details to the main figures, using thicker paint and more defined brushstrokes.
step 04
Work on the background, using loose brushstrokes to suggest the crowd and architectural elements.
step 05
Refine the values and colors, paying attention to the overall harmony of the painting.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 07
Use dry brush techniques to add texture and detail to the figures and clothing.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust the composition as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · ivory black

Achieve the muted tones by mixing the primary colors with small amounts of black and white. Use thin washes of color for the background and thicker paint for the foreground figures.

techniques

·alla prima
·dry brush
·scumbling
·value studies
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the loose, expressive quality.
→Getting bogged down in details and neglecting the overall composition.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·burnt umber oil paint
·raw sienna oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·cadmium red oil paint
·viridian green oil paint
·ivory black oil paint
·assorted brushes (round and flat)

optional

·palette knife
·linseed oil
·turpentine
·medium gloss

Use a medium-sized canvas to allow for loose brushwork and expressive gestures. A toned canvas can help establish a base value and create a more unified color scheme.

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