plate no. 8942
Houses in Bucharest
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing for natural light and shadow, and practice creating depth through layering and atmospheric perspective. It also encourages simplification of complex forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the overall composition.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue-gray wash.
- step 03
Establish the darkest values in the shadows of the buildings and trees.
- step 04
Begin layering in the mid-tones, focusing on the colors of the rooftops and foliage.
- step 05
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and architectural features.
- step 06
Refine the foliage with short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
- step 08
Add final highlights to capture the light.
color palette
primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt sienna · yellow ochre
secondary · cadmium red · viridian green · raw umber
Mix various shades of green by combining yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and a touch of burnt sienna. Achieve the roof colors by mixing burnt sienna with cadmium red and raw umber. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·broken color
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the impressionistic feel.
- →Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure.
- →Not simplifying the complex forms of the buildings.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes (round and flat)
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine or odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider toning the canvas with a thin wash of raw umber before starting.
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