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home·artworks·Carnival in Arcueil
Carnival in Arcueil by Lyonel Feininger

plate no. 4365

Carnival in Arcueil

Lyonel Feininger, 1911

oil, canvasExpressionismgenre paintingbuildingsfiguresstreetcarnivalmountainsbridge
some experience helpful

This painting helps students understand how to simplify complex scenes into geometric shapes and use a limited color palette to create a unified atmosphere. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushstrokes to convey movement and energy.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 7 steps

  1. step 01

    Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, bridge, and figures, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.

  2. step 02

    Block in the main areas of color: yellow for the buildings, gray for the street and sky, and the dominant colors for the figures.

  3. step 03

    Add details to the buildings, such as windows and rooflines, using darker shades of yellow and gray.

  4. step 04

    Define the figures with more precise outlines and add details like hats, instruments, and clothing.

  5. step 05

    Create depth by layering colors and adjusting the values of the background elements.

  6. step 06

    Use short, expressive brushstrokes to add texture and movement to the scene.

  7. step 07

    Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed to achieve a cohesive and expressive final result.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · gray · ultramarine blue

secondary · burnt umber · cadmium red · viridian

Mix various shades of yellow by adding small amounts of burnt umber or white. Create grays by mixing black and white, and adjust the tone with touches of blue or yellow.

techniques

  • ·blocking in
  • ·geometric simplification
  • ·expressive brushstrokes
  • ·color layering
  • ·limited palette

common pitfalls

  • →Overcomplicating the shapes of the buildings and figures.
  • →Using too many colors and creating a chaotic effect.
  • →Ignoring the importance of value contrast in creating depth.
  • →Being too precise and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·stretched canvas
  • ·oil paints (yellow ochre, gray, ultramarine blue, burnt umber, cadmium red, viridian)
  • ·palette
  • ·palette knife
  • ·assorted brushes (flat and round)
  • ·linseed oil
  • ·turpentine
  • ·rags

optional

  • ·painting medium
  • ·easel
  • ·varnish

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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