plate no. 2252

Buildings Abstraction, Lancaster

Charles Demuth, 1931

oil, boardPrecisionismcityscapebuildingswater towersskygeometric shapescityscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric abstraction, color blocking, and precise line work. It also encourages careful observation of architectural forms and their simplification.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to the angles and proportions of the buildings and water towers.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and background.
step 03
Mix the various shades of red and orange for the building, and apply them to the different geometric planes.
step 04
Add the details of the windows, water towers, and other architectural elements.
step 05
Carefully outline the shapes with thin lines to define the edges and create a sense of precision.
step 06
Refine the colors and values, adding subtle variations to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add the details of the lettering on the water tower.
step 08
Make final adjustments and corrections to ensure accuracy and balance.

color palette

primary · red · yellow · blue · white

secondary · black · green · orange

Mix various shades of red and orange by combining red with yellow and a touch of brown or black. Achieve the blue sky by mixing blue with white, and create lighter and darker shades by adding more white or blue.

techniques