plate no. 9606
Brook House
Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, 1913
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric forms and using color to define shapes and create depth. It also encourages experimentation with visible brushstrokes to add texture and energy.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, hills, and trees, focusing on their geometric forms.
- step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, hills, and buildings using simplified color choices.
- step 03
Add the roof colors, paying attention to the variations in hue and value.
- step 04
Define the shadows and highlights on the buildings and hills to create depth.
- step 05
Add details like windows, doors, and the small flock of animals, using simplified shapes and colors.
- step 06
Create texture in the landscape and sky with visible brushstrokes.
- step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes and add any final details.
- step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making adjustments as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white
secondary · sap green · cadmium red · violet
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Create variations in the building colors by mixing white with blue, sienna, and violet. Achieve the roof color by mixing red with sienna and a touch of yellow.
techniques
- ·geometric simplification
- ·color blocking
- ·visible brushstrokes
- ·scumbling
- ·broken color
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Blending colors too much and losing the texture.
- →Not paying attention to the value contrasts.
- →Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas (12x16 or similar)
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (#4, #6, #8)
- ·Flat brushes (#6, #8)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushstrokes. Acrylics will dry faster, while oils allow for more blending time.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
