plate no. 6463

Versailles

Alexandre Benois, 1906

oil, canvasPost-Impressionismlandscapetreesstatuespathlandscapeskyfoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and layering brushstrokes to create texture and depth in foliage. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the path and the placement of the statues.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light, muted color.
step 03
Establish the dark masses of the trees and hedges, paying attention to their overall shapes.
step 04
Begin layering different shades of green to create depth and texture in the foliage.
step 05
Add highlights to the trees and hedges to suggest light and form.
step 06
Paint the path with varying shades of brown and beige to create a sense of depth and perspective.
step 07
Add the statues, focusing on their basic shapes and the play of light and shadow.
step 08
Refine details and add final touches to the foliage, statues, and path.