Hanoi Street by Bui Xuan Phai

plate no. 7948

Hanoi Street

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapestreetbuildingsfiguresvehiclesstreetcar

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey texture and movement. It also encourages experimentation with a limited color palette to create a cohesive mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

2

brushwork visibility

5

value contrast

3

compositional simplicity

3

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, street, and figures, focusing on composition.
step 02
Block in the main areas of light and shadow with diluted paint.
step 03
Begin adding texture and detail with thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
step 04
Define the edges of the buildings and figures with darker values.
step 05
Add highlights to create a sense of depth and form.
step 06
Refine the details of the figures and vehicles.
step 07
Add final touches and adjust values as needed.
step 08
Allow to dry and add a protective varnish

color palette

primary · ivory black · titanium white

secondary · raw umber · payne's gray

Mix varying amounts of black and white to create different shades of gray. Add small amounts of raw umber or payne's gray to warm or cool the grays as needed.

techniques

·dry brush
·scumbling
·impasto
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details
→Creating muddy colors
→Losing the overall composition
→Not varying the brushstrokes

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·ivory black oil paint
·titanium white oil paint
·raw umber oil paint
·assorted brushes (flat and round)
·palette
·linseed oil

optional

·palette knife
·painting medium
·varnish

Use a medium-grit canvas to enhance the texture. Consider using a fast-drying medium to speed up the drying time.

tips & new artworks in your inbox

no spam — unsubscribe anytime.

or to save artworks, chat, and track progress

related guides

oil painting for beginners →how to learn by studying the masters →

chat about this artwork

in this vein

related artworks

Dolly Sisters

Dolly Sisters

Kees van Dongen

Nude with Loaves

Nude with Loaves

Jean Helion

My Father

My Father

Carlos Botelho

Helen

Helen

Chronis Botsoglou

The portrait painter in the country

The portrait painter in the country

Albin Egger-Lienz

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague

Maria Bozoky

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city

Paul Werner

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)

James Ensor