plate no. 6450

View of Table Bay, Bo-Kaap

Gregoire Boonzaier, 1944

oilImpressionismcityscapebuildingscityscapefiguresskywaterrooftops

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and using visible brushstrokes to build texture. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, water, and buildings with thin washes.
step 03
Begin layering colors on the buildings, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes to create texture and form.
step 04
Add details to the windows, doors, and rooftops, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 05
Paint the figures in the foreground, simplifying their forms and using a limited color palette.
step 06
Refine the details and adjust the values to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form and texture.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition or color balance.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red light · sap green

Mix various shades of yellow ochre with white and a touch of raw umber for the buildings. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, adding a touch of yellow ochre for the horizon. Create muted greens by mixing yellow ochre and ultramarine blue.

techniques