Marcus Chen
The Eiffel Tower is a complex structure made of iron and steel beams, and painting it is no easy feat. In fact, the repainting process is an important event that ensures the monument's longevity. The tower has been repainted 20 times in 136 years, with each campaign transforming the Parisian landscape. The painting process involves specific techniques and materials, including various paint colours, brushes, and varnishes. The tower's current yellow-brown colour, chosen by Gustave Eiffel in 1907, was restored in the 2019 painting campaign.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right brushes
The type of brush you choose will depend on the painting style and techniques you plan to use. For painting the Eiffel Tower, you will need a variety of brushes to create different effects. Start by gathering an assortment of flat and round brushes in various sizes. Flat brushes are ideal for painting straight lines and filling in larger areas, while round brushes are perfect for adding details and creating dots or strokes.
For the Eiffel Tower painting, you will specifically need a 3/4" flat brush, a #12 flat brush, and a #4 round brush. These sizes are important for achieving the right stroke widths and details. The 3/4" flat brush is perfect for painting the light grey background and the ground, as it allows for quick and smooth horizontal strokes. The #12 flat/bright brush will be your workhorse for creating the reflection of the tower on the ground and adding horizontal marks to represent the red tree line reflecting onto the horizon. The #4 round brush, with its smaller size, is ideal for painting dots and adding details to the Eiffel Tower itself, such as the vertical or diagonal lines on the beams.
When selecting brushes, consider the type of bristles as well. Synthetic bristles are usually more affordable and versatile, suitable for both acrylic and oil paints. Natural bristles, typically made from animal hair, are great for a smooth finish and are often used with oil paints. Look for brushes with soft and flexible bristles that retain their shape well.
It is also important to choose brushes with sturdy handles that feel comfortable in your hand. The handle length and thickness should allow for a good grip and easy manoeuvring. Additionally, check the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles) to ensure it is securely attached to the handle, as you want to avoid any shedding or loose bristles during your painting process.
Lastly, don't be afraid to invest in quality brushes. While they may be more expensive, they will provide better results and last longer if properly cared for. Clean your brushes thoroughly after each use and store them safely to extend their lifespan.
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Picking the right colours
The Eiffel Tower has been repainted about once every seven years to maintain its iconic status and ensure its longevity. This regular upkeep is necessary due to the threats of rust, pollution, and bird droppings on the puddle iron structure.
The original colour of the Eiffel Tower was a dark shade of red. This colour set the tone for the Tower's early years and was chosen by Gustave Eiffel himself. In 1899, the Tower was painted yellow, marking a significant change in its appearance.
Over the years, the Eiffel Tower has undergone several transformations, with various shades of brown featured prominently. In 1954, the Tower returned to its early reddish-brown roots. In 1968, a unique bronze-like hue, aptly named "Eiffel Tower Brown," was introduced and remained for over 50 years. This colour was designed to harmonise with the Parisian landscape, showcasing the thoughtful consideration that goes into each repainting campaign.
For a realistic portrayal, you could opt for the traditional yellow-brown colour chosen by Gustave Eiffel in 1907. This shade was most recently used in the Tower's 20th repainting campaign in 2019, reflecting the enduring appeal of the original choice.
Alternatively, you might decide to experiment with colours to create a unique interpretation. Consider the lighting and time of day you wish to depict, as well as the mood you want to convey. Warmer colours like reds, oranges, and yellows can evoke a sense of energy and vibrancy, while cooler shades of blue and purple can suggest a more tranquil atmosphere.
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Painting the background
To paint the Eiffel Tower, you'll need to decide on the colours you want to use. For the background, you might want to use colours like titanium white, cadmium red medium, and mars black. You can also add some nature to the background by painting a tree line. For this, you'll need a #12 flat brush and cadmium red medium and titanium white.
Start by painting the horizon line with white dots. Then, use the #12 flat brush to paint short rectangular strokes with the red. You can also add some horizontal marks under the horizon line to represent the red reflecting on the ground.
Next, use the #4 round brush with mars black to paint the branches of the trees. Paint larger branches in the upper right and smaller trunks along the treeline under the tower. You can add some diagonal direction to the treeline, with the highest trees on the left and right, slanting down towards the middle.
Finally, add a touch of black horizontal lines to form the reflection of the tower on the ground. This should be a mirror image of the bottom arch.
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Painting the tower
Painting the Eiffel Tower is no small feat! The tower is made of iron, and to avoid rust and improve durability, it needs to be repainted regularly—about once every seven years. In fact, in its 136-year history, the Eiffel Tower has been repainted 20 times.
Before painting, it is important to gather the right materials. For brushes, you can use Royal & Langnickel Zen Series, which are sold at Michaels. For paint, you will need a variety of colours, including burnt sienna, cadmium red, medium shade cadmium yellow, dioxazine purple, mars black, naphthol crimson, phthalo blue (green shade), titanium white, and yellow ocher.
Now, on to the painting process! First, you will want to paint the background. Make sure to leave some of it showing through so that it looks like the sky is visible between the metal beams of the tower. Use black paint to paint horizontal lines to form the reflection of the tower on the ground. Next, paint the "tree line" in a diagonal direction, with the highest trees on the left and right, slanting down towards the middle. Use a flat brush to paint short rectangular strokes with cadmium red medium. Paint a smaller tree line under the tower using the cadmium red medium and titanium white, with the same style of strokes in the upper right corner of the canvas. Then, use a flat brush to paint horizontal marks under the horizon line to represent the red reflecting on the ground. Use a round brush and titanium white to paint white dots along the horizon line. Before proceeding to the next step, make sure the red leaves are completely dry. Now, use a round brush and mars black to paint the branches of the trees. Paint the large brush in the upper right and smaller trunks along the treeline under the Eiffel Tower. As a final touch, paint the reflection of the tree trunks on the ground.
And there you have it—your very own painting of the Eiffel Tower!
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Adding the finishing touches
Now for the finishing touches! Using your number 12 flat brush, paint horizontal marks under the horizon line to represent the red reflecting on the ground. Then, use the number 4 round brush and titanium white to paint dots along the horizon line. Ensure the red paint is completely dry before you do this. Next, use the number 4 round brush and mars black to paint the branches of the trees. Paint the large brush in the upper right and smaller trunks along the treeline under the Eiffel Tower. As a final touch, paint the reflection of the tree trunks on the ground.
Your painting is now finished! This step-by-step guide has provided you with the tools and techniques to paint the Eiffel Tower. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of creating your artwork.
If you are interested in learning more about the materials and brushes used, you can refer to the list of recommended materials and brushes provided. Additionally, you can explore the website further for more information and tutorials. Happy painting!
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