
plate no. 3958
Diego Rivera, 1907
Recreating this painting will help students understand how to depict light and shadow in a nighttime scene and how to simplify complex architectural forms into basic shapes.
technical profile
approach — 8 steps
Sketch the basic shapes of the buildings and trees, focusing on their relative sizes and positions.
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the dark blue sky and the warm yellow of the illuminated buildings.
Gradually build up the layers of color, adding details and refining the shapes.
Pay attention to the direction of the light and how it affects the shadows.
Add the small details, such as the windows and the stars in the sky.
Refine the edges of the shapes to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
Add final highlights to enhance the contrast and create a sense of luminosity.
Step back and assess the overall composition, making any necessary adjustments.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · yellow ochre · burnt umber
secondary · titanium white · cadmium yellow
Mix ultramarine blue and burnt umber for the dark areas of the sky and shadows. Use yellow ochre and cadmium yellow for the illuminated buildings, adding white to lighten the tones.
techniques
common pitfalls
surface · stretched canvas
required
optional
Use a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified color scheme.
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