plate no. 0485

The Pont de Grenelle, Paris

Othon Friesz, 1901

oilPost-ImpressionismcityscapecityscaperiverboatslightsbridgeEiffel Tower

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impressionistic brushwork and capturing the effects of light and reflection on water. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and colors.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, indicating the horizon line, the position of the Eiffel Tower, the bridge, and the boats.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, the water, and the darker areas of the boats and buildings.
step 03
Start adding the reflections in the water, using broken brushstrokes and varying shades of blue and yellow.
step 04
Develop the details of the boats and the bridge, paying attention to the shapes of the light and shadow.
step 05
Add the highlights and reflections of the lights on the water, using small dabs of yellow and white paint.
step 06
Refine the details of the Eiffel Tower and the buildings in the background, using a lighter touch.
step 07
Adjust the overall color balance and value contrast to create a sense of atmosphere and depth.
step 08
Add final touches and details.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson

Mix blues and whites for the sky and water. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber for the darker areas of the boats and buildings. Add small amounts of alizarin crimson to create warmer tones.

techniques