plate no. 2947

Lisbon - S. Cristovão

Carlos Botelho, 1937

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsrooftopsskywaterarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in color mixing to achieve muted tones and practice layering brushstrokes to build texture and form. It also provides an opportunity to understand aerial perspective and simplifying complex architectural details.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition of the buildings and landscape.
step 02
Block in the sky and water with thin washes of color.
step 03
Establish the main color blocks for each building, focusing on the overall tone.
step 04
Begin layering brushstrokes to define the forms and create texture, working from dark to light.
step 05
Mix and apply subtle color variations within each building to create depth and interest.
step 06
Add details such as windows, rooftops, and architectural features, simplifying where necessary.
step 07
Refine the highlights and shadows to enhance the three-dimensional effect.
step 08
Add final touches and adjust colors as needed to achieve a cohesive look.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · cerulean blue · viridian green · burnt sienna

Achieve the muted tones by mixing complementary colors and adding white or raw umber to dull the intensity. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red for the warm hues of the buildings, and cerulean blue and viridian green for the sky and water.

techniques