plate no. 2697
Buildings
Charles Demuth, 1930
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric abstraction and color blocking. It also encourages careful observation of light and shadow on simplified forms.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas, paying attention to proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and then the main shapes of the buildings and chimney.
- step 03
Mix the specific shades of red, yellow-gray, and white needed for each section.
- step 04
Add subtle variations in tone to create depth and form within each color block.
- step 05
Carefully define the edges of the shapes, using clean, straight lines.
- step 06
Add details like the ladders, railings, and power lines.
- step 07
Refine the shading on the chimney and the smoke to create a sense of volume.
- step 08
Review and adjust the overall balance of colors and values.
color palette
primary · cadmium red · titanium white · raw umber
secondary · ivory black · payne's gray
Mix shades of red by adding small amounts of black or white. The chimney color is achieved by mixing raw umber with white and a touch of yellow. The smoke is a mix of white and Payne's gray.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·linear perspective
- ·subtle value gradations
common pitfalls
- →Inaccurate proportions in the initial sketch.
- →Uneven color application.
- →Overly blended colors losing the sharp edges.
- →Ignoring the subtle value changes within each color block.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·cadmium red oil paint
- ·titanium white oil paint
- ·raw umber oil paint
- ·ivory black oil paint
- ·#2 round brush
- ·#6 flat brush
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·ruler
- ·masking tape
Use a smooth canvas for best results. Consider using masking tape to achieve very sharp lines.
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