plate no. 0591

Victor Hugo's House in Passages

oilImpressionismcityscapebuildingscityscapewindowsdoorsstreetarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in depicting architectural forms with loose brushstrokes and understanding how light and shadow create depth in a cityscape. It also encourages observation of subtle color variations within a limited palette.

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 and the street, focusing on perspective.
step 02
Block in the main color areas using thin washes of color, starting with the darkest values.
step 03
Gradually build up the colors, adding more detail and texture with thicker paint.
step 04
Pay attention to the direction of light and how it affects the colors and values.
step 05
Use broken brushstrokes to create a sense of atmosphere and movement.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to define the forms and create depth.
step 07
Refine the details, such as the windows and doors, using smaller brushes.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · raw umber · titanium white · yellow ochre

secondary · viridian · burnt sienna

Mix raw umber and white for the light stone. Use yellow ochre and raw umber for the warmer tones. Add a touch of viridian to the raw umber for the cooler shadows.

techniques