plate no. 0545
New York Street Scene
Ernest Lawson, 1910
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand atmospheric perspective and how to simplify complex urban scenes into basic shapes and values. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth using color temperature and value changes.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 12 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and the street perspective using light pencil lines.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and the distant buildings, using thin washes.
- step 03
Establish the dark values of the buildings on either side of the street, paying attention to the overall value structure.
- step 04
Begin adding details to the buildings, such as windows and fire escapes, using thicker paint and visible brushstrokes.
- step 05
Introduce the figures and vehicles in the foreground, keeping them relatively simple and dark.
- step 06
Add highlights to suggest light reflecting off the wet street and buildings.
- step 07
Soften edges and blend colors to create a sense of atmosphere and distance.
- step 08
Add final details and adjust values as needed to achieve the desired effect.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · cadmium red
Mix various shades of gray and brown by combining burnt umber with ultramarine blue and white. Use yellow ochre and cadmium red sparingly to add warmth to the buildings and highlights.
techniques
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·broken color
- ·scumbling
- ·wet-on-wet blending
- ·value studies
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall impressionistic effect.
- →Creating too much contrast and making the scene look harsh.
- →Failing to establish a clear value structure and losing the sense of depth.
- →Using colors that are too saturated and not blending them properly.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·linseed oil
- ·odorless mineral spirits
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
Use a medium-tooth canvas for better texture. Consider using a toned canvas (e.g., with a thin wash of burnt umber) to establish a base tone.
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