plate no. 5697
To the Champs Elysees
Louis Abel-Truchet, 1895
some experience helpful
This painting provides practice in capturing atmospheric perspective and rendering figures in a loose, impressionistic style. Students will learn to simplify details and focus on capturing the overall mood and light.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 10 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures and trees.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and ground.
- step 03
Add the darker tones to define the shapes of the trees and figures.
- step 04
Begin to add details to the figures, such as clothing and hats.
- step 05
Refine the background elements, like the carriages and distant figures.
- step 06
Add highlights to create a sense of light and atmosphere.
- step 07
Pay attention to the edges of the forms, keeping them soft and blurred.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · sap green · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · ivory black
Mix greens by combining yellow ochre, sap green, and ultramarine blue. Achieve the ground color by mixing yellow ochre, burnt umber, and white. Use small amounts of red and blue to create subtle variations in the shadows.
techniques
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·alla prima
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
- →Creating harsh lines and edges.
- →Failing to capture the atmospheric perspective.
- →Using colors that are too saturated.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes
- ·flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
- ·mineral spirits (for cleaning)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·painting rags
Use a medium-grain canvas to allow for texture. Consider using a toned canvas to speed up the painting process.
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