plate no. 3023

Street Scene, France

Samuel Peploe, 1910

oilPost-Impressionismlandscapetreesbuildingsstreetskyshadowsarchitecture

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice broken color techniques and capturing light and shadow with bold brushstrokes. Students will learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, trees, and street, focusing on composition.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, using visible brushstrokes.
step 03
Establish the dark blues and greens of the trees and shadows, varying the hue slightly.
step 04
Add the lighter yellows and greens to the foliage, using short, choppy brushstrokes.
step 05
Paint the buildings with a mix of blues, yellows, and whites, capturing the light and shadow.
step 06
Define the street with varying shades of blue and yellow, suggesting sunlight and shadow.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create depth and interest.
step 08
Step back and adjust the overall balance of colors and values.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · viridian green · burnt sienna

Mix blues and yellows to create various greens. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix burnt sienna with blue to create darker tones for shadows.

techniques