plate no. 0431

The Monument to Chopin in the Luxembourg Gardens

Henri Rousseau, 1909

oil, canvasNaïve Art (Primitivism)cityscapeparktreesfiguresstatuepathfoliage

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing simplified forms and color blocking. Students will learn to create depth using atmospheric perspective and layering.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures, trees, and statue.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and the general tones of the foliage.
step 03
Add the darker values for the tree trunks and shadows, defining the forms.
step 04
Paint the figures with simplified shapes and colors, paying attention to their relative sizes and positions.
step 05
Refine the foliage by adding details and variations in color and texture.
step 06
Add details to the statue and the path, including the shadows and highlights.
step 07
Paint the border of the grass along the path.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to create depth and interest.

color palette

primary · sap green · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · raw sienna

Mix greens by combining yellow ochre and ultramarine blue with varying amounts of white. Use burnt umber and white for the statue, and mix red and blue for the figures' clothing.

techniques