plate no. 3911

Aucassin and Nicolette

Charles Demuth, 1921

oilPrecisionismcityscapebuildingschimneyladderskyarchitecturecityscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric abstraction and understanding how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow to create depth and form.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes of the buildings and chimney, paying attention to proportions and angles.
step 02
Divide the sky into geometric sections as seen in the original painting.
step 03
Begin blocking in the sky with light blue, using a flat brush and smooth strokes.
step 04
Mix the various shades of brown and gray needed for the buildings and chimney.
step 05
Carefully fill in the shapes of the buildings, using flat, even strokes. Pay attention to the subtle value changes within each shape.
step 06
Add details like the ladder and the window, using a smaller brush.
step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and adjust the values as needed to match the original painting.
step 08
Add any final details and highlights.

color palette

primary · light blue · brown · gray · red

secondary · white · yellow

Mix browns by combining burnt umber, burnt sienna, and a touch of blue. Vary the browns by adding small amounts of yellow or red. Achieve the sky color by mixing ultramarine blue with white, and adding a touch of yellow for warmth.

techniques