plate no. 3623

Vence

Raoul Dufy, 1923

oil, canvasNaïve Art (Primitivism)cityscapecityscapebuildingstreesskyroadhills

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to create texture and form. It also encourages experimentation with color layering and creating a sense of depth through color variation.

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 of the buildings, trees, and road, focusing on the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the sky with a diluted blue-gray wash, leaving some areas lighter for clouds.
step 03
Apply the base colors for the buildings, using a mix of white, gray, and ochre. Vary the tones to suggest light and shadow.
step 04
Paint the roofs with shades of orange, red, and brown, using short, directional brushstrokes.
step 05
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and doors, using a fine brush and darker colors.
step 06
Block in the trees and foliage with various shades of green and brown, using broken brushstrokes to create texture.
step 07
Paint the road with a mix of yellow and ochre, adding shadows to create depth.
step 08
Refine the details and add highlights to the buildings, trees, and road to create a sense of depth and dimension.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · cadmium red · sap green · raw umber

Mix blues and whites for the sky. Use ochre and white for the buildings, adding sienna for warmer tones. Mix greens with blues and yellows, adding umber for shadows.

techniques