plate no. 5739

Main Street

Saul Steinberg, 1973

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsfigurescloudssurrealrobots

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in linear perspective, creating depth through line weight, and rendering stylized figures. It also encourages experimentation with surreal and whimsical imagery.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Begin with a light pencil sketch to establish the horizon line and basic shapes of the buildings and figures.
step 02
Establish the perspective grid, focusing on the vanishing point on the horizon line.
step 03
Add details to the buildings, paying attention to the architectural elements and shadows.
step 04
Sketch in the figures, using simple shapes to represent their forms.
step 05
Develop the cloud formations using hatching and cross-hatching techniques.
step 06
Apply light washes of color to the buildings and figures, using a limited palette.
step 07
Add darker values to create shadows and depth, using a fine-tipped pen or pencil.
step 08
Refine the details and add any final touches, such as the whimsical elements and textures.

color palette

primary · gray · yellow · white

secondary · red · blue

Mix grays by combining black and white, adding small amounts of yellow or blue for subtle variations. Use diluted washes to achieve the light, airy feel of the painting.

techniques