plate no. 7861

Cityscape I

Richard Diebenkorn, 1963

oil, canvasExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsfieldsskyroadurban

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and using color to define planes and create depth. It also encourages expressive brushwork and understanding of aerial perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main geometric shapes and lines of the composition, focusing on the road, fields, and buildings.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and then the fields, road, and buildings, using thin washes.
step 03
Gradually build up layers of color, adding subtle variations and adjusting values to create depth and form.
step 04
Use visible brushstrokes to add texture and interest to the different areas, varying the direction and pressure of the brush.
step 05
Pay attention to the edges of shapes, softening some and leaving others sharp to create visual interest.
step 06
Add details such as the suggestion of trees and buildings, keeping them simple and abstract.
step 07
Step back frequently to assess the overall composition and make adjustments as needed.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the sense of light and atmosphere.

color palette

primary · sap green · cerulean blue · gray · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cadmium red light

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create grays by mixing complementary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create subtle variations in value.

techniques