plate no. 3963

Olshtin Street

Petros Malayan, 1973

oilExpressionismcityscapecityscapebuildingsstreetfigurescarssky

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and loose watercolor washes. It also encourages simplification of complex urban scenes into basic shapes and values.

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 and street layout, focusing on perspective.
step 02
Apply a light wash of diluted blue/gray for the sky and distant buildings.
step 03
Paint the main buildings with diluted washes of yellow, green, and brown, allowing colors to blend and bleed.
step 04
Add darker values to the shadows and architectural details, such as windows and roofs.
step 05
Paint the street with a mix of blues, grays, and browns, creating a sense of depth and wetness.
step 06
Add figures and cars with simple shapes and colors, using darker tones for shadows.
step 07
Refine details with smaller brushes, adding highlights and textures.
step 08
Evaluate and adjust values and colors as needed to achieve the desired mood.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · burnt umber · cerulean blue

secondary · sap green · raw sienna · alizarin crimson

Mix browns and grays by combining the primary colors. Use plenty of water to achieve transparent washes. Add small amounts of crimson to create muted tones.

techniques