plate no. 8745

The fight in front of the Town Hall, July 28, 1830

oil, canvasAcademicismhistory paintingfiguresbuildingflagsmokebattlecrowd

advanced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, composition, and creating a sense of depth and atmosphere using value and color. It also provides practice in rendering complex scenes with many elements.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 40 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light sketch to establish the overall composition and placement of figures and the building.
step 02
Block in the main shapes and values using thin washes of color.
step 03
Start defining the figures, focusing on proportions and anatomical accuracy.
step 04
Develop the background building, paying attention to perspective and detail.
step 05
Add details to the figures, including clothing, weapons, and facial features.
step 06
Build up the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Refine the details and add finishing touches, such as smoke and debris.
step 08
Glaze to unify the painting and adjust the values and colors as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · Prussian blue · cadmium red

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black · raw sienna

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use Prussian blue and titanium white for the blue in the flag. Mix cadmium red with burnt umber for the red tones.

techniques