plate no. 3902

Liechtenstein Palace

Richard Gerstl, 1907

oilExpressionismcityscapebuildingtreesgardenskycityscapepalace

some experience helpful

This painting offers a chance to practice loose, expressive brushwork and capturing atmospheric perspective. Students can learn to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use color temperature to create depth.

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 building, trees, and foreground.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in large areas of color, starting with the sky.
step 03
Develop the building's form with subtle value changes, focusing on light and shadow.
step 04
Add details to the trees and foliage using short, broken brushstrokes.
step 05
Define the foreground with varied colors and textures to suggest the garden.
step 06
Refine the composition by adjusting values and adding highlights.
step 07
Add final details to the windows and architectural features.
step 08
Step back and make any necessary adjustments to balance the overall composition.

color palette

primary · Prussian Blue · Titanium White · Yellow Ochre

secondary · Burnt Umber · Cadmium Yellow · Alizarin Crimson

Mix various shades of gray and blue for the building and sky. Use yellow ochre and burnt umber for the trees and foliage, adding touches of cadmium yellow and alizarin crimson for warmth.

techniques

·Impasto
·Broken color
·Scumbling
·Atmospheric perspective
·Color temperature

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details and losing the loose, expressive quality.
→Creating muddy colors by over-mixing.
→Failing to establish a clear value structure.
→Ignoring the atmospheric perspective and creating a flat image.

materials

surface · Stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
·Oil paints (Prussian Blue, Titanium White, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber, Cadmium Yellow, Alizarin Crimson)
·Assorted brushes (round and flat)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Linseed oil
·Rags