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home·artworks·(Ancient Hanoi Street)
(Ancient Hanoi Street) by Bui Xuan Phai

plate no. 7222

(Ancient Hanoi Street)

Bui Xuan Phai

oilExpressionismcityscapebuildingsstreetfiguresbicycleskyarchitecture
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes and using visible brushstrokes to create texture and form. It also encourages observation of color relationships in urban environments.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, street, and figures, paying attention to perspective.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main colors of the sky, buildings, and street with diluted washes.

  3. step 03

    Add darker values to define shadows and create depth in the buildings and street.

  4. step 04

    Paint the roofs and windows with their respective colors, adding details to the architectural elements.

  5. step 05

    Add the figures and the bicycle, simplifying their forms and focusing on their placement within the scene.

  6. step 06

    Refine the brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest, especially in the buildings.

  7. step 07

    Add the utility pole and any other small details.

  8. step 08

    Review the overall composition and make any necessary adjustments to balance the colors and values.

color palette

primary · white · gray · blue · brown

secondary · red · green · black

Mix various shades of gray by combining white with small amounts of black and brown. Create the blue roof color by mixing blue with white and a touch of gray. Achieve the brown roof color by mixing burnt umber with a touch of red.

techniques

  • ·dry brush
  • ·scumbling
  • ·color mixing
  • ·simplification
  • ·blocking in

common pitfalls

  • →Overcomplicating the details of the buildings and figures.
  • →Creating muddy colors by overmixing.
  • →Ignoring the importance of value contrast in creating depth.
  • →Not simplifying the scene enough, resulting in a cluttered composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·acrylic or oil paints
  • ·round brushes
  • ·flat brushes
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·linseed oil (if using oils)

optional

  • ·medium gloss
  • ·easel
  • ·rags

Use a medium-grain canvas to enhance the texture of the brushstrokes. Consider using a limited palette to simplify color mixing.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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