plate no. 2285

Königstein with Red Church

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, 1916

oilExpressionismcityscapebuildingschurchfiguresstreetskytrees

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to create mood and atmosphere. It also encourages experimentation with expressive brushstrokes.

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 buildings, church, and figures, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and then moving to the buildings and ground.
step 03
Mix and apply the various shades of green, blue, and yellow to create the overall color harmony.
step 04
Add details such as windows, doors, and architectural features, using thicker paint and bolder brushstrokes.
step 05
Define the figures with simple shapes and colors, paying attention to their poses and gestures.
step 06
Refine the composition by adjusting the colors and values to create depth and interest.
step 07
Add final touches such as highlights and shadows to enhance the form and texture of the objects.
step 08
Consider adding the bird silhouette in the sky.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · cerulean blue · sap green

secondary · cadmium red · titanium white · ultramarine blue

Mix greens by combining blues and yellows. Achieve the pinks and oranges by mixing red with white and yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create tints.

techniques

·blocking in
·color mixing
·expressive brushstrokes
·simplification
·scumbling

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the expressive quality of the brushstrokes.
→Failing to simplify the forms and creating a cluttered composition.
→Not paying attention to the color harmony and creating a discordant palette.
→Getting bogged down in details too early.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Acrylic or oil paints (yellow ochre, cerulean blue, sap green, cadmium red, titanium white, ultramarine blue)
·Assorted brushes (flat and round)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
·Linseed oil (for oil paints)