plate no. 0270

City Suburbs

Ernest Lawson, 1914

oil, canvasImpressionismlandscapelandscapehillsbuildingstreesfigurescity

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand impressionistic color mixing and layering techniques to create depth and texture. It will also help with simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the hills, buildings, and figures using light pencil lines.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the overall composition.
step 03
Block in the sky with light blues and whites, using loose brushstrokes.
step 04
Apply a base layer of color to the hills, mixing browns, yellows, and greens.
step 05
Add darker values to create shadows and define the forms of the hills and buildings.
step 06
Layer in highlights using lighter shades of yellow, orange, and white.
step 07
Paint the figures and trees with quick, gestural strokes.
step 08
Add final details and adjust colors as needed to achieve the desired effect.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · raw sienna

Mix various shades of brown and green by combining yellow ochre, burnt umber, and ultramarine blue. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix red and yellow to create oranges.

techniques