plate no. 7754
Street Towards Montmartre
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice loose brushwork and color mixing to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. It also provides an opportunity to understand and apply the principles of perspective in a cityscape.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
- step 02
Block in the main areas of color with thin washes, focusing on the overall value structure.
- step 03
Start adding thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to define the forms and create texture.
- step 04
Mix subtle variations of color to represent light and shadow on the buildings.
- step 05
Use short, broken strokes to suggest details like windows and rooftops.
- step 06
Pay attention to the edges of shapes, softening some and sharpening others to create depth.
- step 07
Add final highlights and details to bring the painting to life.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green
Mix various shades of browns and grays by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten values and create highlights. Add small amounts of red or green to create warmer or cooler tones.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·atmospheric perspective
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
- →Creating overly sharp or defined edges.
- →Failing to establish a clear sense of perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or intense.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough to create visual interest.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas to allow for good paint adhesion and texture. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
related guides
in this vein
