plate no. 0324

Hungarian Market Scene

Amrita Sher-Gil, 1938

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapemarketfiguresbuildingschurchcartssky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to simplify complex scenes into basic shapes and values. It's also a good exercise in limited color palettes and creating a mood.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, church, and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of a neutral color, indicating light and shadow.
step 03
Block in the sky with a mix of blues and grays, creating a sense of depth.
step 04
Paint the church tower with white, adding subtle variations in tone to suggest form.
step 05
Add the buildings and figures using a limited palette of dark colors, simplifying details.
step 06
Paint the carts and other elements in the foreground, adding slightly more detail.
step 07
Refine the details and add highlights to create a sense of depth and realism.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust values as needed to create a cohesive composition.

color palette

primary · Prussian blue · Titanium white · Burnt umber

secondary · Cadmium red light · Yellow Ochre

Mix blues and umbers to create the dark tones of the sky and figures. Use white to lighten the blues and create variations in the sky. Add a touch of red or yellow to the umber to create warmer tones for the buildings and carts.

techniques