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Cityscape with tower by Albert Bloch

plate no. 7919

Cityscape with tower

Albert Bloch

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingstowerrooftopstreessky
some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to create depth and form. It's also a good exercise in expressive brushwork and color mixing.

technical profile

palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

  1. step 01

    Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, tower, and trees, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.

  2. step 02

    Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background sky and then the dominant colors of the buildings and trees.

  3. step 03

    Mix the various shades of red, orange, and green needed for the rooftops, walls, and foliage.

  4. step 04

    Add details to the buildings such as windows, doors, and architectural features, using simplified shapes and bold outlines.

  5. step 05

    Use expressive brushstrokes to create texture and visual interest in the trees and foliage.

  6. step 06

    Refine the colors and values, adjusting the contrast to create depth and dimension.

  7. step 07

    Add the finishing touches, such as the clock face on the tower and any other small details.

  8. step 08

    Review the painting and make any final adjustments to the composition, color, or brushwork.

color palette

primary · red · orange · yellow · green

secondary · brown · white · blue

Mix various shades of red by adding orange, brown, or white. Achieve the greens by mixing yellow and blue, and adjust the tone with brown or white.

techniques

  • ·blocking in
  • ·expressive brushwork
  • ·color mixing
  • ·simplification of forms
  • ·layering

common pitfalls

  • →Overworking the details and losing the simplified, expressive style.
  • →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
  • →Failing to establish a strong value structure.
  • →Not capturing the loose, painterly feel of the original.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

  • ·Stretched canvas (12x16 or similar)
  • ·Acrylic or oil paints (red, orange, yellow, green, brown, white, blue)
  • ·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
  • ·Palette
  • ·Palette knife
  • ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
  • ·Linseed oil or acrylic medium

optional

  • ·easel
  • ·painting medium
  • ·varnish

Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →
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