plate no. 0331

Houses in Balchik

Vasile Popescu, 1933

oilImpressionismcityscapebuildingsstreethousesskytrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve muted tones and practice layering brushstrokes to create 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 and composition of the buildings and street.
step 02
Block in the main color areas for the sky, buildings, and ground using thin washes.
step 03
Begin layering thicker paint to define the forms of the buildings and add shadows.
step 04
Mix and apply subtle color variations to the walls to create depth and interest.
step 05
Add details to the windows, rooflines, and trees using smaller brushes.
step 06
Use dry brush techniques to create texture on the walls and ground.
step 07
Refine the edges and details to complete the painting.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the sense of light and form.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white

secondary · ultramarine blue · sap green · raw umber

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors (e.g., a little blue into orange) and adding white to adjust the value. Use yellow ochre and burnt sienna as a base for the building colors, adjusting with white, blue, or green.

techniques