plate no. 0396

Casas en Alto

Xul Solar, 1922

oilExpressionismcityscapebuildingsfigurescityscapetreesskyladders

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and using a limited color palette effectively. It also encourages experimentation with linear perspective and creating a sense of depth through color and line.

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 buildings, trees, and figures, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light wash of yellow and blue, blending them slightly.
step 03
Paint the buildings using flat blocks of red, orange, and yellow, varying the intensity of each color.
step 04
Add the details of the windows, doors, and chimneys using darker shades of brown and black.
step 05
Paint the trees with simple strokes of green, varying the thickness of the lines to create depth.
step 06
Add the figures with simple lines and shapes, using a limited color palette.
step 07
Paint the ladders with thin lines, paying attention to their perspective.
step 08
Add final details and touch-ups as needed.