plate no. 9835

Crossing in Territet

Varlin, 1936

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsrailroadbridgeskyfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice perspective and layering techniques. It also offers a good exercise in capturing the mood and atmosphere of a scene using a limited color palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic composition, focusing on the perspective of the railroad tracks and buildings.
step 02
Block in the large shapes of color: sky, buildings, ground, and bridge.
step 03
Establish the darkest values under the bridge and along the railroad tracks.
step 04
Begin adding details to the buildings, using a dry brush technique to create texture.
step 05
Refine the shapes of the figures and add highlights to the buildings and ground.
step 06
Mix and apply subtle color variations to the sky and ground to create depth.
step 07
Add final details, such as the lampposts on the bridge and the reflections on the tracks.
step 08
Step back and adjust values and colors as needed to achieve a cohesive and atmospheric effect.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · ultramarine blue

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix shades of gray and brown by combining raw umber, ultramarine blue, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre to warm up the grays and browns for the buildings. Add small amounts of burnt sienna for warmer accents.

techniques