plate no. 4606

Gijón Cafe

Consuelo Hernández, 2015

oil, woodRealismcityscapecafebuildingfiguredogstreetwindow

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in rendering reflections and depicting a realistic scene with figures and architectural details. Students can learn to create depth through layering and subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 7 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the cafe's structure and the placement of the figures and dog.
step 02
Block in the main colors of the building facade, awning, and street, paying attention to light and shadow.
step 03
Paint the window frame and the reflections within the window, capturing the interior details and the outside view.
step 04
Develop the figures and the dog, focusing on accurate proportions and subtle shading.
step 05
Add details to the cafe's signage and architectural elements.
step 06
Refine the overall painting, adjusting colors and values to create a cohesive and realistic scene.
step 07
Add final highlights and details to enhance the sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · ivory black · raw umber

Achieve the building's warm tones by mixing yellow ochre and burnt sienna with varying amounts of white. Create the awning's red by mixing cadmium red with a touch of burnt sienna and white.

techniques