plate no. 1172

Lisboa e o Tejo, Domingo

Carlos Botelho, 1935

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingswaterskyarchitectureboats

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks. It also encourages practice in creating depth through atmospheric perspective and color temperature changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes of the buildings, water, and sky, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the sky and water with broad strokes, establishing the overall value and color.
step 03
Establish the main color blocks for the buildings, using a limited palette of earth tones.
step 04
Begin to refine the shapes of the buildings, adding details like windows and rooftops.
step 05
Introduce subtle color variations within the buildings to create depth and interest.
step 06
Add the details of the towers and any other architectural elements.
step 07
Paint the railing in the foreground, using dark colors to create contrast.
step 08
Add small details like boats on the water and figures in the windows.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ultramarine blue

secondary · titanium white · cadmium red light · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown and grey by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, ultramarine blue, and white. Use cadmium red light and yellow ochre to add warmth to the buildings. Achieve atmospheric perspective by lightening and cooling the colors of distant objects.

techniques