plate no. 5458

The Pont Neuf, Paris

Othon Friesz, 1902

oilImpressionismcityscapebridgecityscapewaterbuildingsskyfigures

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice broken color techniques and capturing atmospheric perspective. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the bridge, buildings, and water.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
step 03
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 04
Begin layering thicker paint with visible brushstrokes, building up texture and detail.
step 05
Use broken color techniques to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
step 06
Pay attention to the reflections in the water, using similar colors as the objects above.
step 07
Add details such as figures and architectural elements with small, deliberate strokes.
step 08
Refine the edges and values to create a cohesive and harmonious painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · alizarin crimson · viridian green

Mix various shades of gray and blue-gray by combining ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, and white. Use yellow ochre and white for the highlights on the bridge and buildings. Add small touches of alizarin crimson for warmth.

techniques

·broken color
·impasto
·scumbling
·wet-on-dry layering
·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Getting bogged down in details too early.
→Not paying attention to the overall value structure.
→Using colors straight from the tube without mixing them.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 16x20
·oil paints (ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, titanium white, alizarin crimson, viridian green)
·assorted brushes (round and flat)
·palette
·linseed oil
·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
·palette knife
·rags