plate no. 1063

On the Street

August Macke, 1914

watercolorFauvismgenre paintingfiguresstreetbuildingscityscapered hats

some experience helpful

This painting is a good exercise in simplifying forms and using color to define shapes rather than precise outlines. Recreating it will help students understand color relationships and how to suggest depth with minimal detail.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and buildings.
step 02
Begin with the lightest washes, establishing the overall color scheme and background tones.
step 03
Gradually build up the darker values, layering colors to create depth and dimension.
step 04
Define the figures with simple shapes and blocks of color, paying attention to the relationships between them.
step 05
Add details such as the red hats and architectural elements with small, controlled brushstrokes.
step 06
Use a dry brush technique to create texture in certain areas, such as the buildings.
step 07
Evaluate the painting and make any necessary adjustments to the colors and values.
step 08
Allow the painting to dry completely.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · cadmium red · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · sap green · raw sienna · white

Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt umber with yellow ochre and a touch of red or blue. Create lighter tones by adding water to the pigments.

techniques

·wet-on-wet blending
·dry brush texture
·color layering
·simplified forms
·limited palette

common pitfalls

→Overworking the painting and losing the freshness of the watercolor washes.
→Using too much water and creating muddy colors.
→Focusing too much on detail and losing the overall composition.
→Not allowing the layers to dry completely before adding more washes.

materials

surface · watercolor paper 140lb

required

·watercolor paper 140lb
·watercolor paints (ultramarine blue, cadmium red, yellow ochre, burnt umber, sap green)
·round watercolor brushes (sizes #4, #8)
·flat watercolor brush (size #6)
·water container
·palette
·paper towels
·masking tape

optional

·palette knife
·kneaded eraser
·ruler

Use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent buckling and ensure vibrant colors. Experiment with different brush sizes to achieve varying levels of detail.

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