plate no. 2372

Berliner Straße mit Droschken in Regen

Lesser Ury, 1925

oilImpressionismcityscapecityscaperainfigurescarsumbrellasstreet

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and capturing reflections on wet surfaces. It also provides practice in simplifying complex scenes and suggesting details rather than rendering them precisely.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of figures, cars, and the horizon line.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of neutral tones, paying attention to the light source and areas of reflection.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figures and cars using simplified forms and colors.
step 04
Develop the background elements, suggesting the buildings and trees with loose brushstrokes and muted colors.
step 05
Add details to the figures and cars, focusing on key features and highlights.
step 06
Create the effect of rain and reflections by adding vertical streaks and horizontal lines of light and dark tones.
step 07
Refine the edges and details, softening some areas to create a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the depth and realism of the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium orange · ivory black

Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and white. Use cadmium orange sparingly to create the warm tones of the figures' clothing. Add small amounts of black to darken colors and create shadows.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·dry brush texture
·atmospheric perspective
·scumbling
·broken color

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, impressionistic feel.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure, resulting in a flat and unconvincing painting.
→Using colors that are too saturated, which can detract from the overall mood and atmosphere.
→Ignoring the importance of edges and creating hard lines where soft edges are needed.