plate no. 8932

Mornington Crescent

Frank Auerbach, 1965

oil, boardExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsstreeturbanarchitecture

experienced study

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in expressive brushwork and layering techniques to create depth and texture. It also encourages simplification of complex scenes into abstract forms.

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 structure of the buildings and street using a thin wash of diluted paint.
step 02
Establish the overall color scheme by blocking in large areas of color with a palette knife or large brush.
step 03
Begin layering paint, focusing on building texture and depth with thick, expressive brushstrokes.
step 04
Use a variety of brushstrokes to create different textures and effects, such as short, choppy strokes for rough surfaces and long, flowing strokes for smoother areas.
step 05
Pay attention to the interplay of light and shadow, adding highlights and shadows to create a sense of form and volume.
step 06
Refine the details of the buildings and street, adding smaller details and textures to enhance the overall composition.
step 07
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments to the composition, color, or texture.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely, and then apply a final layer of varnish to protect the surface and enhance the colors.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · raw umber · burnt sienna · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue · sap green · pink

Mix various shades of browns and grays by combining the primary colors. Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Introduce small amounts of secondary colors to add subtle variations and interest.

techniques

·impasto
·dry brush
·scumbling
·layering
·palette knife application

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the initial brushstrokes.
→Creating a muddy or dull color palette by overmixing colors.
→Failing to establish a clear focal point in the composition.
→Not varying the brushstrokes enough, resulting in a flat or monotonous texture.

materials

surface · oil painting board

required

·Stretched canvas or oil painting board
·Oil paints (yellow ochre, raw umber, burnt sienna, ivory black, cadmium red, ultramarine blue, sap green)
·Palette
·Assorted brushes (various sizes and shapes)
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits or turpentine
·Linseed oil or painting medium
·Rags or paper towels