plate no. 0349

Oberweimar

Lyonel Feininger, 1921

oilCubismcityscapebuildingscityscapearchitecturegeometric shapesabstract

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand geometric abstraction and how to use value to create depth within simplified forms. It also provides practice in color mixing to achieve subtle tonal variations.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 10 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes and their placement on the canvas.
step 02
Divide the canvas into the main planes and angles of the buildings.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the darkest values.
step 04
Gradually build up the mid-tones and highlights, paying attention to the direction of light.
step 05
Refine the edges of the shapes and add details like windows.
step 06
Mix subtle color variations to create depth and interest within each plane.
step 07
Use a dry brush technique to add texture to the surfaces.
step 08
Step back and assess the overall balance and harmony of the painting, making final adjustments as needed.

color palette

primary · burnt sienna · ultramarine blue · titanium white · raw umber

secondary · yellow ochre · payne's gray · cadmium orange

Mix various shades of gray by combining white, umber, and a touch of blue. Achieve the warm tones by blending burnt sienna with yellow ochre and a hint of orange. Cool down the colors by adding small amounts of blue or gray.

techniques

·geometric abstraction
·value studies
·color mixing
·dry brush texture
·planar analysis

common pitfalls

→Overcomplicating the geometric shapes.
→Not paying attention to the value relationships.
→Using colors that are too saturated.
→Losing the overall sense of depth and space.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Acrylic or oil paints
·Round and flat brushes (various sizes)
·Palette
·Palette knife
·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
·Rags or paper towels

optional

·Medium (for oil paints)
·Easel
·Reference image print

Use a canvas with a medium texture to allow for better adhesion of the paint and to enhance the dry brush effect. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.

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