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home·artworks·Cafe ''Neon'' at day
Cafe ''Neon'' at day by Yiannis Tsaroychis

plate no. 6648

Cafe ''Neon'' at day

Yiannis Tsaroychis, 1965

oilNew Realismcityscapebuildingcafecityscapearchitecturestreetawning
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in accurately depicting architectural forms and understanding subtle tonal variations to create depth and light. It also encourages careful observation of geometric shapes and perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the building and surrounding elements.

  2. step 02

    Block in the large areas of color, focusing on the overall tonal values.

  3. step 03

    Refine the shapes and details of the architectural elements, such as windows, doors, and the awning.

  4. step 04

    Mix and apply subtle color variations to create depth and form.

  5. step 05

    Add details like the 'NEON' lettering and the hanging lights.

  6. step 06

    Define the shadows and highlights to enhance the three-dimensionality of the scene.

  7. step 07

    Add the chairs and table, paying attention to their placement and scale.

  8. step 08

    Make final adjustments to the colors, values, and details to achieve a cohesive and realistic representation.

color palette

primary · gray · beige · white · black

secondary · light blue · yellow ochre

Achieve the various shades of gray and beige by mixing white with small amounts of black, yellow ochre, and burnt umber. Use light blue sparingly to add coolness to certain areas.

techniques

  • ·geometric construction
  • ·tonal layering
  • ·color mixing
  • ·linear perspective
  • ·atmospheric perspective

common pitfalls

  • →Incorrect perspective can distort the architectural forms.
  • →Overly harsh or contrasting colors can detract from the subtle mood.
  • →Neglecting the subtle tonal variations can result in a flat and lifeless painting.
  • →Rushing the initial sketch can lead to inaccuracies in the overall composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
  • ·Acrylic or oil paints (gray, beige, white, black, light blue, yellow ochre)
  • ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
  • ·Flat brushes (sizes 1/2 inch, 1 inch)
  • ·Palette
  • ·Palette knife
  • ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
  • ·Rags

optional

  • ·Medium (for oil paints)
  • ·Easel
  • ·Reference photo print

Use a limited palette to simplify color mixing and achieve a harmonious result. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base value.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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