plate no. 9674

Chop Suey

Edward Hopper, 1929

oil, canvasSocial Realismgenre paintingfiguresrestaurantinteriorwindowtablecityscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to create depth using color temperature and value, as well as how to simplify complex scenes into geometric shapes. It's also a good study in capturing a specific mood and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, paying attention to the placement of figures and tables.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and working your way forward.
step 03
Establish the main light and shadow patterns, focusing on the areas of high contrast.
step 04
Refine the shapes and details of the figures, paying attention to their proportions and gestures.
step 05
Add details to the interior, such as the windows, tables, and objects on the tables.
step 06
Mix and apply the colors for the cityscape seen through the windows, using a limited palette.
step 07
Add the final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or details.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining ultramarine blue, burnt umber, and white. Use yellow ochre and white to create the warm tones of the interior lighting. Add small amounts of cadmium red to create the red hues of the sign.

techniques