plate no. 4184

Via Ripetta Houses

Lucian Grigorescu, 1921

oilImpressionismcityscapebuildingscityscapehousesskyfigurewindows

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow on architectural forms and practice loose, expressive brushwork to convey texture and atmosphere. It's also a good exercise in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and values.

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, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color: sky, buildings, and foreground, using thin washes.
step 03
Establish the darkest shadows and lightest highlights to create a sense of depth.
step 04
Begin adding details to the buildings, such as windows, doors, and architectural features, using thicker paint and more defined brushstrokes.
step 05
Use broken brushstrokes to create texture and interest in the buildings and foreground.
step 06
Mix and apply subtle color variations to capture the nuances of light and shadow.
step 07
Add the figure in the foreground, keeping it simple and suggestive.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the values as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt sienna · titanium white · sap green

Mix yellow ochre and raw umber for the warm tones of the buildings. Use ultramarine blue with white for the sky. Burnt sienna adds warmth to shadows and details.

techniques