plate no. 5167
Street in Paris
Christopher Wood, 1926
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. It also provides practice in capturing the essence of figures and objects with minimal detail.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, street, and major figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of gray-blue, leaving some areas lighter for clouds.
- step 03
Establish the base colors for the buildings, street, and lamp post using simplified color blocks.
- step 04
Add the figures and dogs, focusing on their basic shapes and gestures.
- step 05
Introduce details like windows, doors, and architectural elements, keeping the style naive and simplified.
- step 06
Refine the colors and values, adding subtle variations to create depth and interest.
- step 07
Add final details like the lamp post's ornamentation and the figures' clothing.
- step 08
Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to balance the elements.
color palette
primary · gray-blue · cream · green · black
secondary · red-brown · white · blue
Mix grays by combining black and white with small amounts of blue or brown. Achieve the cream color by mixing white with a touch of yellow and brown.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·simplified shapes
- ·limited palette
- ·dry brushing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the details
- →Using too many colors
- →Losing the naive style
- →Incorrect proportions
- →Ignoring the overall composition
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Medium gloss
- ·Easel
- ·Reference photo print
Use a canvas size appropriate for the level of detail you want to include. Acrylics are a good choice for beginners due to their fast drying time.
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