plate no. 2643

Houses in Szentendre with Blue Sky

Vajda Lajos, 1935

oilExpressionismcityscapehousesbuildingsskycityscaperoofstrees

suitable for beginners

Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex forms into basic shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive scene. It also encourages observation of subtle color variations within seemingly flat areas.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the houses and their relative positions.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the division between the ground and the sky.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color for the sky, ground, and the main house facades.
step 04
Add the darker tones for the roof areas and shadows, focusing on the overall shapes.
step 05
Refine the shapes of the windows and doors, paying attention to their proportions.
step 06
Introduce subtle color variations within the larger areas to add depth.
step 07
Add details like chimneys and trees, keeping them simple and stylized.
step 08
Review the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · raw umber · cadmium red · titanium white

Mix yellow ochre with small amounts of burnt sienna and white to achieve the house colors. Use ultramarine blue and white for the sky, and mix raw umber with burnt sienna for the darker areas.

techniques

·flat washes
·color mixing
·simplification of forms
·linear perspective

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the details
→Using too many colors
→Ignoring the overall composition
→Not establishing a clear focal point

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic paints
·#4 round brush
·#8 flat brush
·palette
·water container
·paper towels

optional

·palette knife
·easel
·medium retarder

Using a canvas with a slightly textured surface can enhance the painting's overall effect. Acrylic paints are recommended for their quick drying time and ease of use.

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