plate no. 0683

On the Way to School in Edam

Max Liebermann, 1904

oil, canvasImpressionismgenre paintingfiguresstreetbuildingstreeschildrenlight

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in capturing light and shadow with loose brushstrokes and simplifying complex scenes into essential forms. It also provides practice in painting figures in motion and creating atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 8 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the main shapes and composition, focusing on the placement of the figures and buildings.
step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background and working your way forward.
step 03
Establish the light and shadow patterns, paying attention to the direction of the light source.
step 04
Add details to the figures and buildings, using loose brushstrokes to suggest form and texture.
step 05
Refine the colors and values, making sure to maintain the overall harmony of the painting.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Pay attention to the edges of the shapes, softening some and sharpening others to create visual interest.
step 08
Step back and assess the painting, making any necessary adjustments.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber

secondary · cadmium red · ultramarine blue

Mix white with yellow ochre and a touch of burnt umber to create the warm tones of the street and buildings. Use ultramarine blue and burnt umber to create the darker shadows and foliage.

techniques