plate no. 5846

Church of the Minorities in Erfurt I

Lyonel Feininger, 1924

oilCubismcityscapecityscapearchitecturebuildingsfiguresgeometric shapessky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex scenes into geometric forms and use a limited palette to create depth and atmosphere. It also encourages experimentation with layering and blending to achieve subtle color transitions.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic geometric shapes and lines of the buildings and composition, focusing on the angles and proportions.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the general placement of the architectural elements.
step 03
Block in the main color areas using thin washes of paint, starting with the sky and background.
step 04
Gradually build up the color layers, adding darker tones to create shadows and depth.
step 05
Refine the shapes and edges of the buildings, paying attention to the interplay of light and shadow.
step 06
Add details such as windows and figures, keeping them simple and stylized.
step 07
Blend the edges of the color blocks to create smooth transitions and a sense of atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the overall composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium red · sap green

Mix yellow ochre with burnt umber to create the warm tones of the buildings. Use ultramarine blue for the sky, and mix it with yellow ochre and burnt umber to create the greenish-gray tones in the background. Add cadmium red for the figures and roof.

techniques