plate no. 0486

Ketshin, Poland

Petros Malayan, 1991

oilExpressionismcityscapebuildingstowerscityscapearchitectureroofssky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex shapes and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive and atmospheric scene. It also provides practice in creating texture with visible 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 and placement of the buildings and towers, focusing on proportions.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest tones in the sky and shadows.
step 03
Gradually build up the mid-tones and highlights, paying attention to the light source.
step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows, doors, and roof tiles, using smaller brushstrokes.
step 05
Create texture by varying the direction and pressure of your brushstrokes.
step 06
Refine the edges of the shapes to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the contrast and create a focal point.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · gray · ochre · brown

secondary · dark blue · purple · yellow

Achieve the various shades of gray by mixing white with small amounts of brown, blue, and purple. Use ochre and brown to create the warm tones of the buildings, and add small amounts of yellow for highlights.

techniques

·blocking in
·dry brush texture
·scumbling
·color mixing
·simplifying shapes

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the overall impression.
→Using too many colors and creating a muddy effect.
→Not paying attention to the light source and creating flat, lifeless shapes.
→Failing to simplify the complex shapes of the buildings.
→Inaccurate proportions in the initial sketch.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas
·acrylic or oil paints
·round brushes (various sizes)
·flat brushes (various sizes)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil or acrylic medium

optional

·easel
·rags
·turpentine or mineral spirits (for oil paints)
·varnish

A slightly textured canvas will help to create a more interesting surface for the paint to adhere to. Consider using a limited palette of colors to simplify the mixing process.

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