plate no. 7233

A clear house

Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, 1916

oilExpressionismcityscapebuildingscityscapedoorswindowsstepsvegetation

suitable for beginners

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive composition. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to add texture and visual interest.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the buildings, focusing on the arrangement of squares and rectangles.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and largest shapes.
step 03
Define the outlines of the shapes with darker tones, creating the distinct edges.
step 04
Add details like the windows, doors, and steps, using simplified geometric forms.
step 05
Introduce variations in color within each shape to create depth and interest.
step 06
Use visible brushstrokes to add texture and energy to the painting.
step 07
Refine the edges and shapes as needed, paying attention to the overall balance of the composition.
step 08
Add final details like the small vegetation at the bottom.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · red · green · black

secondary · white · blue

Mix shades of yellow ochre with white to create lighter tones for the buildings. Combine red and yellow to achieve various orange hues. Use black and green to create darker shadows.

techniques

·blocking in
·geometric abstraction
·limited palette
·visible brushstrokes
·color layering

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
→Using too many colors.
→Blending colors too much, losing the distinct brushstrokes.
→Ignoring the overall composition and balance.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·flat brushes (various sizes)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning oil paints)

optional

·easel
·painting medium
·varnish

Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the visibility of brushstrokes. Acrylic paints will dry faster, while oil paints allow for more blending time.

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