plate no. 1176

Buitrago houses

Carlos Saenz de Tejada, 1920

oilExpressionismlandscapehouseslandscapebuildingshillvillagesky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in layering colors to create depth and texture, and in using expressive brushstrokes to convey a sense of movement and energy. It also provides practice in simplifying complex forms into basic shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the houses and the hill in the background.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying a thin wash of warm colors across the canvas.
step 03
Begin layering in the darker values to define the shadows and create depth.
step 04
Add the lighter values to highlight the forms and create contrast.
step 05
Use short, expressive brushstrokes to build up the texture of the buildings and the landscape.
step 06
Mix and apply the secondary colors, focusing on the transitions between light and shadow.
step 07
Refine the details of the houses, such as the windows and roofs.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · sap green · cadmium red · titanium white

Mix yellow ochre and burnt sienna for the warm tones of the buildings. Use ultramarine blue and burnt sienna to create muted grays and browns. Add titanium white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques