plate no. 2665

City Hall of Kecskemét

oilCubismlandscapebuildingtreesgardenskycolumnslandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and understanding color relationships within a limited palette. It also provides practice in creating depth through layering and varying brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the building, trees, and garden layout, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, building, foliage, and ground using thinned paint.
step 03
Begin defining the shapes of the building and trees with darker and lighter values, using short, deliberate brushstrokes.
step 04
Add details to the garden beds and foliage, varying the greens and browns to create depth and texture.
step 05
Refine the shapes and edges of the building and columns, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 06
Introduce highlights and shadows to the foliage to create a sense of volume and form.
step 07
Add final details such as the orange flower and subtle variations in the ground color.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition, ensuring a balance of color and value.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · viridian green · titanium white

secondary · burnt umber · cerulean blue · cadmium yellow

Mix greens by combining viridian green with yellow ochre or cadmium yellow. Create variations in the ground color by mixing burnt umber with white and small amounts of blue or green.

techniques

·blocking in
·broken color
·scumbling
·geometric simplification
·layering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplified, geometric style.
→Using too much detail in the foliage, making it appear flat and undifferentiated.
→Failing to create enough contrast between light and shadow, resulting in a muddy or flat appearance.
→Not simplifying the forms enough and getting lost in the details of the architecture.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·Oil paints (yellow ochre, viridian green, titanium white, burnt umber, cerulean blue, cadmium yellow)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Rags