plate no. 3284

From Brooklyn Heights

George Ault, 1925

oilPrecisionismcityscapecityscapebuildingswaterboatsskyindustrial

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into geometric forms and understanding atmospheric perspective using a limited color palette. It also offers practice in creating smooth gradients and hard edges.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition, paying attention to proportions and perspective.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and water.
step 03
Add the buildings and boats, using simplified geometric shapes.
step 04
Define the edges of the shapes with darker and lighter values to create depth.
step 05
Add details such as windows, smokestacks, and reflections in the water.
step 06
Refine the colors and values, paying attention to the overall balance of the painting.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of realism.
step 08
Let dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · gray · burnt sienna · black · white

secondary · olive green · blue

Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Create the olive green for the water by mixing yellow, blue, and a touch of brown. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques