plate no. 2599

Eagle Bridge Hotel

Grandma Moses, 1959

oilNaïve Art (Primitivism)genre paintinghoteltrainlandscapefigurescarriagestrees

some experience helpful

This painting is great for practicing simplified forms and creating a sense of depth through size and placement. Students can learn to depict figures and objects in a stylized, naive manner.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the landscape, including the hills, buildings, and train tracks.
step 02
Block in the sky and ground with broad washes of color.
step 03
Paint the main structures (hotel, train station, train) using simplified shapes and flat colors.
step 04
Add the trees and foliage using small, repetitive brushstrokes.
step 05
Populate the scene with figures and carriages, keeping them small and simple.
step 06
Define details like windows, doors, and train features.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth.
step 08
Refine the details and add any final touches.

color palette

primary · sky blue · yellow ochre · dark green · white

secondary · black · red · grey · brown

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows, and create variations by adding white or brown. Use white to lighten colors for highlights and create a sense of distance.

techniques