plate no. 1131

El Palacio

Edward Hopper, 1946

oil, canvasNew Realismcityscapebuildingscityscapeskymountainsarchitecturesigns

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and practice mixing subtle color variations to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes of the buildings and mountains, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray wash, allowing for subtle variations in tone.
step 03
Establish the basic colors of the buildings, using a limited palette of earth tones and grays.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows, balconies, and signs, paying attention to their proportions and placement.
step 05
Create depth by layering colors and values, making the distant mountains and buildings appear lighter and less detailed.
step 06
Refine the brushwork, using short, deliberate strokes to create texture and visual interest.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensionality of the scene.
step 08
Make final adjustments to the colors and values to achieve a cohesive and harmonious composition.

color palette

primary · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue

secondary · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna · viridian

Mix various grays by combining white, raw umber, and a touch of blue. Achieve the building colors by mixing yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and white. Use viridian sparingly for the green signage and foliage.

techniques