plate no. 7391
Houses in Buitrago
Carlos Saenz de Tejada, 1920
some experience helpful
This painting offers practice in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to define form rather than relying on precise detail. Students will also learn to create depth through color temperature and value changes.
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, boats, and figures, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and working forward.
- step 03
Define the shapes of the buildings and boats with darker outlines, using a cloisonnist approach.
- step 04
Add details to the figures, such as faces and clothing, using simple shapes and colors.
- step 05
Create depth by using cooler colors for distant objects and warmer colors for closer objects.
- step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create form and dimension.
- step 07
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed.
- step 08
Add final touches, such as the reflections in the water.
color palette
primary · yellow · blue · red · green
secondary · white · black · orange · brown
Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Create browns by mixing red, yellow, and blue. Vary the intensity of colors by adding white or black.
techniques
- ·color blocking
- ·simplified shapes
- ·cloisinnism outlines
- ·color temperature
- ·impasto
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the simplicity of the original.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth.
- →Making the outlines too heavy or uniform.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (various sizes)
- ·flat brushes (various sizes)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·easel
- ·painting medium
- ·varnish
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Acrylic paints will dry faster than oil paints.
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