plate no. 0764
The Perpiniere Barracks
Gustave Caillebotte, 1878
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the impression of light and movement in a cityscape. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms and using a limited color palette to create a harmonious scene.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and street, paying attention to perspective.
- step 02
Establish the overall warm tone of the sky and ground with a thin wash of color.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of the buildings with variations of yellow, ochre, and brown.
- step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features, using small brushstrokes.
- step 05
Paint the figures and carriages with loose, gestural strokes, focusing on their silhouettes.
- step 06
Create the impression of trees and foliage with dabs of green and brown.
- step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final touches and adjust the overall color balance.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · raw umber
secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · titanium white
Mix variations of yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the buildings and ground. Use ultramarine blue and ivory black to create cooler tones for shadows and distant objects. Add titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·alla prima
- ·limited palette
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Creating too much contrast and making the painting look harsh.
- →Failing to establish a strong sense of perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and not harmonizing with the overall warm tone.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints (yellow ochre, burnt sienna, raw umber, ultramarine blue, ivory black, titanium white)
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·linseed oil
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·mahl stick
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a toned canvas to establish the warm undertones of the painting.
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