plate no. 3028

Nollendorfplatz

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, 1912

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingstramspeoplestreeturban

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using expressive brushstrokes to convey movement and energy. It also encourages experimentation with color to create a mood.

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 buildings, trams, and street layout, focusing on the overall composition.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background blue and then the dominant yellow-green tones of the buildings and trams.
step 03
Use darker greens and blues to define shadows and create depth in the buildings and trams.
step 04
Add the figures as simple, elongated shapes, using dark colors for contrast.
step 05
Refine the details of the trams, adding the windows and other features with bold brushstrokes.
step 06
Use short, directional brushstrokes to create texture and movement in the sky and street.
step 07
Add final highlights with lighter yellows and greens to emphasize the light source.
step 08
Step back and adjust the colors and values as needed to achieve a cohesive and expressive result.

color palette

primary · yellow · Prussian blue · sap green

secondary · black · white · ochre

Mix greens by combining yellow and blue. Vary the intensity of the yellow by adding small amounts of ochre or white. Create darker tones by adding black or a touch of burnt umber to the primary colors.

techniques