plate no. 9322

Night on the Outskirts of Town

Istvan Farkas, 1931

oilExpressionismgenre paintingfigurestreeswatermoonbuildingslandscape

some experience helpful

This painting helps students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey mood. It also provides practice in mixing muted colors and creating a sense of depth through color and value.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and composition lightly on the canvas.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and sky.
step 03
Define the figures with simple shapes and colors.
step 04
Add details to the buildings and landscape, focusing on the overall mood rather than precise representation.
step 05
Develop the reflections in the water with horizontal strokes of color.
step 06
Refine the shapes and colors of the figures, adding highlights and shadows.
step 07
Add final details and adjust the overall composition as needed.
step 08
Allow to dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · titanium white · cadmium red

secondary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · magenta

Achieve muted tones by mixing complementary colors (e.g., blue and orange, red and green). Use white to lighten colors and create highlights. Mix red and white for the moon.

techniques