plate no. 0197

Harlem Street Scene with Full Moon

William H. Johnson, 1940

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsstreetmooncarsnight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive mood. It also provides practice in layering colors and creating highlights and shadows with bold brushstrokes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, street, and moon, focusing on composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, buildings, and street, using thin washes.
step 03
Add darker values to create shadows and define the forms of the buildings and cars.
step 04
Introduce the yellow for the moon, streetlights, and the yellow car.
step 05
Add details like windows and doors, using a smaller brush.
step 06
Refine the highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add the figures and cars in the street.
step 08
Review and adjust the colors and values as needed.

color palette

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

secondary · cadmium yellow · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt umber with ultramarine blue and white. Create the sky by mixing ultramarine blue with white and a touch of burnt umber. Achieve the yellow hues by mixing cadmium yellow with white and a touch of burnt umber.

techniques