plate no. 5558

View from the Royal Palace

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapebuildingscityscaperooftopstreesskyarchitecture

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing color mixing to achieve subtle variations in light and shadow, and for learning to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and forms. It also offers practice in creating texture with visible brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas, focusing on the placement of the buildings and the main architectural features.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, buildings, and trees using thin washes.
step 03
Start building up the layers of color on the buildings, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Add details to the rooftops, such as the tiles and chimneys, using small brushstrokes.
step 05
Develop the foliage of the trees, using a variety of greens and browns to create depth and texture.
step 06
Refine the details of the architecture, such as the windows and doors.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of form and dimension.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · titanium white · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · sap green · raw umber

Mix white with small amounts of burnt sienna and yellow ochre to achieve the warm tones of the buildings. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and mix greens with yellow ochre and ultramarine blue for the foliage.

techniques