plate no. 9549

Mercedes – the Artist's Car

John Bratby, 1972

oilExpressionisminteriorcarinteriorbuildingwindowvehicle

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and capturing form with loose, gestural strokes. It also provides practice in simplifying complex shapes and focusing on overall impression rather than precise detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the car and background, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the main color areas with thin washes, establishing the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin adding thicker paint layers, using bold brushstrokes to define the forms and create texture.
step 04
Focus on capturing the highlights and shadows on the car to give it dimension.
step 05
Use short, directional strokes to depict the details of the car and background.
step 06
Mix colors directly on the canvas to create a sense of spontaneity and energy.
step 07
Refine the edges and details, but maintain the loose, expressive quality of the painting.
step 08
Add final touches and highlights to bring the painting to life.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · raw umber · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium yellow · burnt sienna

Mix blues and whites for the car's highlights and window reflections. Use umber and ochre for the background and shadows. Add small amounts of yellow and sienna for warmth.

techniques