plate no. 0991

The Pont Saint Michel in Paris

Henri Matisse, 1900

oil, canvasImpressionismcityscapebridgeriverbuildingscityscapeskytrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing the essence of a scene with loose, expressive brushstrokes. Students will also learn to simplify complex architectural forms into basic shapes and values.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the bridge, buildings, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the sky with light blues and grays, blending softly.
step 03
Block in the large shapes of the buildings and bridge with simplified color masses.
step 04
Add the darker values under the bridge arches and in the reflections on the water.
step 05
Introduce warmer tones for the buildings and trees in the background.
step 06
Refine the details of the bridge and buildings with visible brushstrokes.
step 07
Add highlights to suggest light and form.
step 08
Review and adjust values and colors to create a cohesive atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · cadmium yellow

Mix grays by combining ultramarine blue, raw umber, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create warm earth tones. Add small amounts of cadmium yellow to brighten certain areas.

techniques