plate no. 0586
Suburb
Georges Seurat, 1882
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand color mixing for atmospheric perspective and how to build form using small, distinct brushstrokes. Students will also learn how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, chimney, and horizon line.
- step 02
Apply a thin wash of diluted paint to establish the overall color scheme and values.
- step 03
Begin building up the sky using small, individual brushstrokes of blues, pinks, and whites.
- step 04
Paint the buildings with a mix of white, gray, and subtle color variations, using short, broken strokes.
- step 05
Create the field with layers of green, brown, and yellow, using a similar pointillist technique.
- step 06
Add details to the chimney and other structures, focusing on capturing their form with color and value.
- step 07
Refine the foreground with more textured brushstrokes to create depth and interest.
- step 08
Let the painting dry and add a final glaze if desired to unify the colors.
color palette
primary · titanium white · cerulean blue · yellow ochre
secondary · burnt umber · cadmium red light · ultramarine blue
Achieve the subtle color variations by mixing small amounts of complementary colors. Use white to lighten and create atmospheric haze.
techniques
- ·pointillism
- ·broken color
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Over-blending the colors, which will lose the pointillist effect.
- →Using too much detail in the initial sketch.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the sky and buildings.
- →Making the brushstrokes too large or uniform.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·cerulean blue oil paint
- ·yellow ochre oil paint
- ·burnt umber oil paint
- ·cadmium red light oil paint
- ·ultramarine blue oil paint
- ·small round brushes (#2, #4)
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·medium gloss
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A canvas with a fine weave will help to create smoother brushstrokes.
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