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home·artworks·Vieux Paris, Quartier St Victor, La Rue Des Boulangers
Vieux Paris, Quartier St Victor, La Rue Des Boulangers by Fernand Combes

plate no. 6530

Vieux Paris, Quartier St Victor, La Rue Des Boulangers

Fernand Combes, 1910

charcoalImpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsstreetfigureParisarchitecture
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in perspective drawing and using value to create depth and form. It also provides practice in capturing the atmosphere of a cityscape using a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity
2
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street.

  2. step 02

    Establish the horizon line and vanishing point(s).

  3. step 03

    Block in the major areas of light and shadow using light charcoal strokes.

  4. step 04

    Gradually build up the darker values, focusing on the areas of deepest shadow.

  5. step 05

    Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features.

  6. step 06

    Indicate the figure and any other elements in the street.

  7. step 07

    Refine the values and add subtle variations to create a sense of atmosphere.

  8. step 08

    Soften edges and blend areas as needed to achieve a cohesive look.

color palette

primary · charcoal gray · ivory black · raw umber

secondary · sepia

Vary the intensity of the charcoal by controlling pressure and layering. Use blending to create subtle gradations in tone.

techniques

  • ·charcoal blending
  • ·perspective drawing
  • ·value shading
  • ·atmospheric perspective
  • ·hatching

common pitfalls

  • →Incorrect perspective
  • →Overworking the details
  • →Uneven blending
  • →Lack of value contrast

materials

surface · drawing paper (toned or white)

required

  • ·charcoal pencils (soft, medium, hard)
  • ·kneaded eraser
  • ·drawing paper (toned or white)
  • ·blending stumps
  • ·fixative spray
  • ·ruler

optional

  • ·chamois cloth
  • ·sandpaper block
  • ·drawing board

Use a variety of charcoal pencils to achieve a full range of values. Toned paper can help establish a mid-tone base.

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related guides

how to draw →color theory for painters →how to learn by studying the masters →
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