plate no. 7616

Hotel

Charles Demuth, 1921

oilPrecisionismcityscapebuildingscityscapearchitecturehotelsigns

some experience helpful

This painting helps develop skills in geometric abstraction and color layering to create depth and form. Students can learn to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and use a limited palette effectively.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes and lines of the buildings and signs, focusing on their relative positions.
step 02
Establish the main color blocks using a diluted wash of the dominant yellow/ochre color.
step 03
Layer in darker shades of brown and purple to define shadows and create depth in the buildings.
step 04
Add the green accents for window shutters and signage, varying the tone for interest.
step 05
Carefully paint the white areas, paying attention to the shapes and how they interact with the other colors.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes and add details like window lines and lettering on the signs.
step 07
Use dry brushing to add texture and subtle variations in color.
step 08
Step back and adjust values and colors to achieve a cohesive and balanced composition.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · burnt sienna

secondary · sap green · titanium white · dioxazine purple

Mix yellow ochre with small amounts of raw umber to create the various shades of the buildings. Use white to lighten the green and create highlights. Mix purple with raw umber for darker shadows.

techniques