plate no. 4151

Dorfstrasse in Blau

oilExpressionismcityscapebuildingsstreetskyvillagearchitecture

suitable for beginners

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey form and texture. It also provides an opportunity to explore color relationships and create a sense of depth through color temperature.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the buildings and street.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, buildings, and street using diluted paint.
step 03
Gradually build up layers of color, focusing on the variations within each shape.
step 04
Use thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes to define the edges of the shapes and add texture.
step 05
Pay attention to the light and shadow, and adjust the colors accordingly.
step 06
Add details such as windows or architectural features, but keep them simple and stylized.
step 07
Refine the overall composition and color balance, making sure the painting has a sense of unity.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a varnish coat.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · cadmium red · sap green

Mix different shades of blue for the sky and street by adding white or a touch of yellow. Create variations in the building colors by mixing yellow ochre with small amounts of red, blue, or green.

techniques

·blocking in
·color mixing
·expressive brushstrokes
·layering
·simplification

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original.
→Using colors that are too saturated and creating a jarring effect.
→Not paying attention to the value relationships and creating a flat image.
→Making the sketch too detailed before blocking in colors.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes (#4, #8)
·flat brush (#6)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
·mineral spirits or turpentine (for cleaning brushes)

optional

·medium gloss
·easel
·painting knife

Use a canvas with a medium texture to enhance the brushstrokes. Acrylic paints are a good option for beginners because they dry quickly and are easy to clean up.

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