plate no. 2989

The Boulevard of Clichy

oilRealismgenre paintingstreetfigurestreesbuildingscityscapedog

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the essence of a scene with loose, impressionistic brushstrokes. It also offers practice in simplifying complex subjects like crowds and cityscapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of major elements like the street, buildings, and trees.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of diluted paint, paying attention to the light and shadow areas.
step 03
Block in the larger shapes of the buildings and trees, using simplified forms and colors.
step 04
Add details to the figures, focusing on capturing their movement and gestures with quick, expressive brushstrokes.
step 05
Develop the street surface, using a variety of colors and textures to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 06
Refine the details of the trees, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of volume and form.
step 07
Add final touches and details, such as the dog and the figures in the background.
step 08
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a cohesive and harmonious painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red light · viridian green

Mix various shades of gray and blue for the street, and use yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the warm tones of the buildings and trees. Add touches of cadmium red for accents.

techniques