plate no. 8812

The Avenue

Alice Bailly, 1923

oil, canvasExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingstreesroadcarssky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and expressive artwork. It also encourages experimentation with brushstrokes to suggest texture and form.

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, hill, road, and trees, focusing on overall composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color using diluted washes of brown and ochre for the buildings and road.
step 03
Add darker tones to define the shadows and create depth in the buildings and road.
step 04
Paint the trees using a mix of greens and browns, applying short, broken brushstrokes to suggest foliage.
step 05
Add the details of the cars and figures using small, precise brushstrokes.
step 06
Create the sky with a light wash of gray and white, blending the colors to create a soft, atmospheric effect.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of light and form.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely and then apply a varnish to protect the surface.

color palette

primary · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · sap green · yellow ochre

Mix raw umber and white for the buildings. Use burnt sienna and raw umber for the road. Mix sap green and yellow ochre for the trees. Add white to lighten the colors.

techniques