plate no. 9581

House by the Railroad

Edward Hopper, 1925

oil, canvasNew Realismcityscapehousebuildingrailroadskyarchitectureshadows

some experience helpful

This painting provides an opportunity to practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and understanding how light and shadow define a subject. Students can also learn about creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle color variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the house and railroad, paying attention to proportions and perspective.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: sky, house (light and dark sides), and railroad.
step 03
Refine the shapes and values of the house, focusing on the details of the windows, roof, and columns.
step 04
Mix and apply subtle color variations to create depth and atmosphere in the sky and on the house.
step 05
Add details to the railroad tracks and surrounding ground.
step 06
Pay attention to the shadows and highlights to create a sense of form and dimension.
step 07
Soften edges where needed to blend colors and create a more realistic effect.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix blues and whites for the sky, adding small amounts of umber for subtle variations. Use burnt umber and white for the dark areas of the house, adding touches of blue or red to adjust the tone. Mix red and umber for the railroad.

techniques