plate no. 6812

The Theatre l'Atelier

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismcityscapebuildingtreescityscapestreetarchitecturesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice layering colors to create depth and using visible brushstrokes to add texture. It also provides an opportunity to study atmospheric perspective and simplifying complex architectural forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and trees, focusing on proportions and perspective.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of grey-blue paint.
step 03
Establish the main colors of the buildings (mostly white with grey undertones) and the roof.
step 04
Add the darker areas of the buildings, such as windows and shadows.
step 05
Paint the trees using a mix of greens, yellows, and blues, using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 06
Add the details of the street and figures, paying attention to the reflections and shadows.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of depth and dimension.
step 08
Let it dry and add a final layer of details if needed.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · sap green · cadmium yellow

Mix white with small amounts of blue and umber to create the various shades of grey for the buildings. Use yellow ochre and blue to create muted greens for the trees. Add white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques

·broken color
·dry brushing
·atmospheric perspective
·scumbling
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
→Using too much pure white, which can make the painting look flat.
→Ignoring the subtle color variations in the buildings and trees.
→Not establishing a strong sense of perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

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