plate no. 0948

House by a Road

Edward Hopper, 1940

oilNew Realismlandscapehouselandscapefieldskyarchitecturegrass

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and how to use a limited palette to create a harmonious color scheme. It will also develop skills in applying visible brushstrokes to build texture and form.

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 house, field, and background, paying attention to proportions and perspective.
step 02
Block in the main color areas: sky, house, field, and trees, using thin washes.
step 03
Begin to build up the form of the house with thicker paint, focusing on the light and shadow areas.
step 04
Add details to the windows, doors, and roof, using a smaller brush.
step 05
Develop the texture of the field with broken brushstrokes and varying colors.
step 06
Refine the sky with subtle color variations and soft blending.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · gray · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · titanium white

secondary · burnt sienna · raw umber

Mix various shades of gray by combining white, blue, and a touch of burnt sienna or raw umber. Use yellow ochre and white for the field, adding touches of burnt sienna for warmth. The sky is a mix of white, blue, and a hint of yellow.

techniques