plate no. 1404

Lyon

Oskar Kokoschka, 1927

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscaperiverbuildingsskybirdshill

experienced study

This painting helps develop skills in loose, expressive brushwork and capturing the overall impression of a scene rather than precise details. It also encourages experimentation with color mixing to achieve atmospheric effects.

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 of the buildings, river, and hill, focusing on composition.
step 02
Block in the sky with diluted blues, yellows, and whites, allowing colors to blend.
step 03
Establish the dark areas of the buildings and hill with mixtures of browns, greens, and blues.
step 04
Add mid-tones to the buildings, focusing on warm oranges and yellows where light hits.
step 05
Define the river with varying shades of blue and gray, reflecting the sky and buildings.
step 06
Use short, broken brushstrokes to suggest details in the buildings and foliage.
step 07
Add highlights to the buildings and water to create depth and dimension.
step 08
Paint the birds with quick, gestural strokes of white and light gray.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · titanium white · burnt sienna

secondary · viridian green · raw umber · cadmium orange

Mix blues and whites for the sky, adding yellow ochre for warmth. Combine browns, greens, and blues for the darker areas. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights.

techniques