plate no. 2915
Our street with horse riding, Bonn
August Macke, 1913
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students practice simplifying complex scenes into basic shapes and using color to define form and space. It also provides an opportunity to experiment with expressive brushstrokes and color mixing.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
4
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, street, and figures, focusing on proportions and placement.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the sky and then moving to the buildings and street.
- step 03
Mix the specific colors needed for each area, paying attention to the subtle variations in hue and value.
- step 04
Add details to the buildings, such as windows and doors, using a smaller brush.
- step 05
Refine the shapes and colors of the figures, adding details such as the horse and carriage.
- step 06
Use expressive brushstrokes to create texture and movement in the painting.
- step 07
Adjust the values and colors as needed to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.
color palette
primary · yellow ochre · ultramarine blue · cadmium orange
secondary · viridian green · raw umber · titanium white
Mix greens by combining blue and yellow. Vary the orange by adding touches of red or yellow. Use white to lighten colors and create tints.
techniques
- ·blocking in
- ·color mixing
- ·expressive brushstrokes
- ·simplification
- ·layering
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes and details.
- →Using colors that are too saturated or unrealistic.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- →Ignoring the expressive potential of brushstrokes.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·#4 round brush
- ·#8 flat brush
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
- ·odorless mineral spirits
Use a medium-grain canvas for best results. Consider using a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process.
tips & new artworks in your inbox
no spam — unsubscribe anytime.
or to save artworks, chat, and track progress
in this vein
related artworks
Dolly Sisters
Kees van Dongen
Nude with Loaves
Jean Helion
My Father
Carlos Botelho
Helen
Chronis Botsoglou
The portrait painter in the country
Albin Egger-Lienz
Marketta on Lázeňská street, Prague
Maria Bozoky
Winter at the Entrepotdok, in Amsterdam city
Paul Werner
Old Woman with Masks (Theatre of Masks)
James Ensor