plate no. 3480
Busy City Scene
Jozsef Rippl-Ronai, 1914
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing movement and atmosphere with expressive brushstrokes and simplified forms. It also encourages observation of color relationships in a complex urban environment.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
5
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of major elements like buildings, the carousel, and the park.
- step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by applying thin washes of color to the sky and background areas.
- step 03
Block in the larger shapes of the buildings and trees using simplified color masses.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the carousel, focusing on the circular form and the suggestion of movement.
- step 05
Define the vehicles and figures with quick, expressive brushstrokes, using darker values to create contrast.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension, paying attention to the direction of light.
- step 07
Refine the details and textures with smaller brushes, adding touches of color to enhance the overall effect.
- step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or value.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · cadmium red · viridian green · ultramarine blue
secondary · burnt umber · titanium white · ivory black
Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or umber to dull the intensity. Use a limited palette to create harmony.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·impasto
- ·scumbling
- ·alla prima
- ·expressive brushwork
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the spontaneity of the original.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing on the palette.
- →Failing to establish a clear focal point.
- →Ignoring the overall color harmony and creating a disjointed effect.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (18x24 inches)
- ·oil paints (yellow ochre, cadmium red, viridian green, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, titanium white, ivory black)
- ·palette
- ·assorted brushes (round, flat, filbert)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
- ·palette knife
- ·rags
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·varnish
- ·easel
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the brushstrokes. Consider using a toned ground to create a unified color base.
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