plate no. 3510

London Roofs I

Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas, 1945

oilCubismcityscapecityscapebuildingsroofschimneysskyarchitecture

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into geometric forms and using a limited color palette to create a cohesive composition. It also encourages experimentation with texture and layering.

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 outlines of the buildings and rooftops, focusing on the overall composition.
step 02
Divide the canvas into larger geometric areas, representing different sections of the cityscape.
step 03
Block in the main colors for each area, starting with the background and sky.
step 04
Begin adding details to the buildings, such as windows, chimneys, and architectural features, using simplified shapes.
step 05
Introduce texture by layering paint and using visible brushstrokes.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Incorporate the text elements ('Greek St', 'Baker', etc.) using a simple, blocky font.
step 08
Refine the details and adjust the colors as needed to achieve a harmonious balance.