plate no. 8557

Theatre des Varietes Large

oilImpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsstreetfigurestreessky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing reflections on wet surfaces. It also provides practice in depicting figures in motion and suggesting detail with loose brushwork.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the buildings and the placement of major elements.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of neutral color, paying attention to the light source.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the buildings, trees, and figures using simplified color masses.
step 04
Develop the sky with soft, blended brushstrokes, creating a sense of atmosphere.
step 05
Add details to the buildings and figures, using thicker paint and more defined brushstrokes.
step 06
Create reflections on the wet street using horizontal strokes and slightly lighter values.
step 07
Refine the details of the trees, adding branches and leaves with small, broken strokes.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow

Mix various shades of gray by combining raw umber, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna to create warm tones for the buildings and trees. Add small amounts of cadmium yellow to brighten highlights.

techniques