plate no. 0621

The Lido Champs Elysees

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismcityscapecityscapestreetbuildingscarsfigurestrees

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing atmospheric perspective and creating the illusion of depth. Students will also learn how to suggest details rather than rendering them precisely, capturing the overall impression of a scene.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the Arc de Triomphe, buildings, and street layout.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme with a thin wash of warm yellow and brown tones.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the buildings and the Arc de Triomphe using darker browns and grays.
step 04
Add the trees and lampposts, focusing on their vertical lines and branching structures.
step 05
Paint the cars and figures with loose, gestural brushstrokes, suggesting their movement and form.
step 06
Create the reflections on the wet street using horizontal strokes and lighter values.
step 07
Add highlights to the buildings and lampposts to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 08
Refine the details and add final touches to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten the values and create highlights.

techniques