plate no. 9884

754, Fith Avenue

oil, linenContemporary Realismcityscapecityscapebuildingsstreetpeoplesidewalkvehicles

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to simplify complex scenes into manageable shapes and values. It also provides practice in rendering realistic textures and lighting effects.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective lines of the street and buildings.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber or a similar neutral tone.
step 03
Block in the major shapes of the buildings, sidewalk, and figures using simplified forms and values.
step 04
Begin adding details to the buildings, paying attention to the variations in light and shadow.
step 05
Refine the figures, vehicles, and other elements, focusing on their shapes and proportions.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Introduce subtle color variations to enhance the realism of the scene.
step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive and atmospheric painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · titanium white · ivory black

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · cadmium red light

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining burnt umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Add small amounts of ultramarine blue or yellow ochre to create subtle color variations.

techniques

·atmospheric perspective
·value blocking
·dry brushing
·scumbling
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Getting lost in the details too early.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the brushstrokes.
→Ignoring the effects of atmospheric perspective.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·oil paints (burnt umber, titanium white, ivory black, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, cadmium red light)
·palette
·palette knife
·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits