plate no. 9933
New York Night, No. 2
George Ault, 1921
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to depict geometric forms in a simplified manner. It also offers practice in subtle value gradations and color mixing to create a sense of depth and mood.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
2
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and perspective lines of the buildings and street using light pencil strokes.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and the overall tones of the buildings.
- step 03
Gradually build up the values, adding darker tones to create shadows and depth.
- step 04
Mix subtle variations of grays and greens for the buildings, paying attention to the light source.
- step 05
Add the details of the windows and architectural features, keeping them simple and geometric.
- step 06
Paint the streetlights and the glow from the windows, using warm yellows and oranges.
- step 07
Refine the edges and details, ensuring the perspective is accurate.
- step 08
Add final touches to the atmospheric effects, such as the haze in the distance.
color palette
primary · gray · ivory black · raw umber
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna · titanium white
Mix various shades of gray by combining ivory black, raw umber, and titanium white. Add small amounts of yellow ochre or burnt sienna to warm the grays for the buildings and lights.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·value gradation
- ·color mixing
- ·blocking in
common pitfalls
- →Getting the perspective wrong, which will make the buildings look distorted.
- →Using colors that are too saturated, which will ruin the muted, atmospheric effect.
- →Overcomplicating the details, which will detract from the simplified style.
- →Not paying attention to the subtle value changes, which will make the painting look flat.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas (12x16 inches)
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (#2, #4, #6)
- ·flat brush (#6)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oil paints)
- ·mineral spirits (for cleaning brushes)
optional
- ·painting medium (e.g., Liquin)
- ·easel
- ·ruler
Use a smooth canvas for best results. If using acrylics, consider using a slow-drying medium to allow for more blending time.
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