plate no. 4506

In the Patio VIII

Georgia O'Keeffe, 1950

oilPrecisionismlandscapeskycloudsbuildingshadowwindow

suitable for beginners

This painting is a great exercise in simplifying forms and understanding light and shadow. Students can learn to create depth using a limited palette and focus on precise shapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the building and the window, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color: the sky, the light and shadowed parts of the building.
step 03
Mix the specific colors for the sky, building, and window.
step 04
Paint the sky with a light blue, creating a smooth, even tone.
step 05
Add the cloud shapes, varying their size and placement to create a sense of depth.
step 06
Carefully paint the building, blending the shadow areas smoothly.
step 07
Add the details of the window, ensuring crisp edges.
step 08
Refine the edges and values to match the original painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · burnt umber

secondary · sap green

Mix the sky blue by combining ultramarine blue and titanium white. Achieve the building color by mixing burnt umber and white, adjusting the ratio for the light and shadow areas. The window is a mix of sap green and a touch of burnt umber.

techniques