plate no. 3603
House
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive composition. It also encourages experimentation with texture and brushwork to add visual interest.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic geometric shapes of the buildings and landscape, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Establish the horizon line and the placement of the tablecloth.
- step 03
Block in the main color areas for the buildings, sky, and landscape using diluted washes.
- step 04
Add layers of color to build up depth and create variations in tone within each shape.
- step 05
Use dry brush techniques to add texture to the buildings and landscape elements.
- step 06
Paint the tablecloth using thin layers of white, creating subtle shadows and highlights.
- step 07
Add the abstract faces and other details with a fine brush.
- step 08
Refine the edges of the shapes and adjust the overall composition as needed.
color palette
primary · burnt sienna · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · sap green · yellow ochre · cadmium red light
Mix burnt sienna and raw umber with white to create various shades of brown and beige. Use yellow ochre to warm up the browns and add highlights. Mix sap green with raw umber for muted greens.
techniques
- ·dry brush
- ·layering
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·limited palette
- ·scumbling
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using too many colors and losing the cohesive feel.
- →Making the tablecloth too opaque and losing the sense of transparency.
- →Not varying the brushstrokes enough, resulting in a flat appearance.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic paints (burnt sienna, raw umber, titanium white, sap green, yellow ochre, cadmium red light)
- ·assorted flat brushes
- ·palette
- ·water container
- ·paper towels
- ·pencil
- ·kneaded eraser
optional
- ·palette knife
- ·retarder medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-textured canvas to enhance the dry brush effect. Acrylics are recommended for their fast drying time, but oils can also be used.
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