plate no. 9326

Untitled (Montmartre)

Pierre Daura, 1917

oilExpressionismcityscapebuildingsstreetcityscapearchitectureskylamp post

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It will also develop skills in color mixing and creating a sense of depth through tonal variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color with thin washes, starting with the sky and distant buildings.
step 03
Gradually build up the values, focusing on the light and shadow patterns.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features, using small brushstrokes.
step 05
Refine the street and add the lamp post, paying attention to its placement and proportions.
step 06
Adjust the overall color harmony and value contrast to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to enhance the focal point.
step 08
Let dry and add a varnish layer.

color palette

primary · raw umber · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Mix raw umber and ultramarine blue with white for the cool grays of the sky and distant buildings. Use burnt sienna and yellow ochre for the warmer tones of the buildings in the foreground. Add small amounts of cadmium red to create variations in the browns.

techniques