plate no. 8775

The Races at Longchamps from the Grandstand

oil, canvasImpressionismgenre paintingcrowdfiguresrace trackhorsesgrandstandsky

experienced study

Recreating this painting will develop skills in depicting crowds with simplified forms and creating atmospheric perspective to suggest depth. It also provides practice in rendering figures in varying degrees of detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the grandstand, racetrack, and horizon line.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in large areas of color for the sky, field, and grandstand.
step 03
Begin adding details to the grandstand, focusing on the shapes and forms of the figures.
step 04
Use small, quick brushstrokes to suggest the crowd in the distance.
step 05
Paint the horses and jockeys on the racetrack, paying attention to their movement and form.
step 06
Refine the details of the figures in the foreground, adding highlights and shadows to create depth.
step 07
Add final touches to the sky and field, blending colors to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add details to the architecture

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · cerulean blue · titanium white

Mix yellow ochre with burnt umber and white for the field. Use a combination of burnt umber and ivory black for the figures. Add small amounts of cadmium red to the sky for warmth.

techniques