plate no. 1987

Buildings, Lancaster

Charles Demuth, 1930

oilPrecisionismcityscapebuildingscityscapesignskyarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in geometric abstraction and color blocking, as well as understanding how to create depth through overlapping shapes and subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a simplified line drawing of the major shapes and buildings, paying attention to perspective.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and the sign's background.
step 03
Add the darker values to define the shadows and architectural details.
step 04
Mix and apply the colors for the buildings, using a limited palette.
step 05
Carefully paint the lettering on the sign, ensuring accurate spacing and form.
step 06
Add the subtle details like the cloud and the geometric lines in the sky.
step 07
Refine the edges of the shapes to create a crisp, clean look.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · ivory black · cadmium yellow light

Mix various shades of blue for the sky by adding white and small amounts of black. Achieve the yellow of the sign by mixing yellow ochre with cadmium yellow light. Create the building colors by mixing burnt sienna with white, black, and small amounts of blue or yellow.

techniques

·color blocking
·geometric abstraction
·linear perspective
·hard-edge painting
·glazing (optional)

common pitfalls

→Inaccurate perspective
→muddy colors
→uneven color application
→incorrect lettering proportions
→overly blended colors

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round and flat brushes
·palette
·palette knife
·ruler
·pencil
·eraser

optional

·painting medium
·varnish
·easel

Use a smooth canvas for best results. Acrylics are a good option for beginners due to their fast drying time. Oil paints will allow for more blending and subtle color variations.

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