plate no. 3427

Fringe of Bucharest

Rudolf Schweitzer-Cumpana, 1940

oilImpressionismcityscapebuildingshousescityscaperoofsskyfigures

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in impasto techniques and broken color application to create texture and depth. It also encourages simplification of forms and capturing the essence of a scene with expressive brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the buildings and their placement on the canvas.
step 02
Establish the darkest and lightest values to create a value structure.
step 03
Begin applying the dominant colors (yellows, browns) with thick, visible brushstrokes, following the direction of the forms.
step 04
Mix and apply secondary colors (greens, blues, reds) to add variation and interest to the color palette.
step 05
Use a dry brush technique to create texture on the roofs and walls.
step 06
Add small details like windows and figures with confident brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the overall composition by adjusting values and colors as needed.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to enhance the impressionistic feel.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · sap green

Mix yellow ochre and white for the building walls, burnt umber and red for the roofs, and small amounts of blue and green to create shadows and variations in the sky and ground.

techniques