plate no. 2714

Moschee in Tunis

Gabriele Munter, 1905

oilPost-Impressionismcityscapebuildingstreetfiguresskyarchitecturecityscape

some experience helpful

This painting provides a good exercise in capturing light and shadow on architectural forms using visible brushstrokes. Students can practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and color blocks.

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 building, domes, and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
step 02
Block in the sky with a thin layer of blue, leaving some areas for the building to overlap.
step 03
Apply a base layer of white mixed with a touch of yellow or gray to the building, capturing the overall light.
step 04
Add shadows to the building using mixtures of white, gray, blue, and a touch of brown.
step 05
Paint the figures with simplified shapes and colors, focusing on their silhouettes and interaction with the light.
step 06
Add details to the building, such as windows, architectural elements, and the dome's structure, using small brushstrokes.
step 07
Refine the colors and values throughout the painting, adjusting the light and shadow to create depth.
step 08
Add final touches, such as highlights and small details, to enhance the overall impression.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre

secondary · burnt umber · viridian green · cadmium red

Mix various shades of white with small amounts of blue, yellow, and brown to create the subtle variations in the building's color. Use green for the dome and accents, and red/brown for the figures.

techniques