plate no. 9290
The Louvre Embankment
Albert Marquet, 1905
some experience helpful
This painting is great for learning to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks. Students will also practice capturing atmospheric perspective and loose, expressive brushwork.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 6 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the horizon line and major shapes.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a thin wash of yellow and orange, blending the colors.
- step 03
Establish the dark masses of the buildings and trees using a mix of blues, browns, and greens.
- step 04
Paint the river and road with lighter tones, reflecting the sky's colors.
- step 05
Add details to the trees and buildings with darker, more defined brushstrokes.
- step 06
Indicate the figures and vehicles with simple, gestural marks.
- step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber
secondary · cadmium orange · titanium white · sap green
Mix blues and browns for the dark masses. Use white to lighten colors for the sky and reflections. A touch of orange warms up the yellows.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·dry brush texture
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·gestural mark-making
common pitfalls
- →Overworking details
- →Creating muddy colors
- →Ignoring atmospheric perspective
- →Making the composition too symmetrical
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 12x16
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·palette knife
- ·palette
- ·linseed oil
- ·mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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