plate no. 1546

Pennsylvania Coal Town

Edward Hopper, 1947

oil, canvasSocial Realismcityscapebuildingfigurewindowshouselawnsteps

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students understand how to simplify complex forms into basic shapes and use a limited palette to create a cohesive mood. It will also develop skills in depicting light and shadow on architectural forms.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the building, figure, and foreground, paying attention to proportions and placement.
step 02
Establish the horizon line and the vanishing point to guide perspective.
step 03
Block in the large areas of color: the yellow of the house, the green of the lawn, and the dark tones of the figure's clothing.
step 04
Begin refining the shapes and adding details, such as the windows, steps, and the figure's features.
step 05
Mix subtle variations of the main colors to create depth and dimension in the building's facade.
step 06
Add highlights and shadows to define the forms and create a sense of light.
step 07
Pay attention to the subtle color shifts in the lawn to create a sense of texture and depth.
step 08
Add final details and adjustments to refine the composition and enhance the overall mood.

color palette

primary · yellow ochre · viridian green · ivory black

secondary · burnt sienna · titanium white

Achieve the muted yellow of the house by mixing yellow ochre with a touch of viridian green and white. The green of the lawn can be created by mixing viridian green with black and a touch of yellow ochre. Use burnt sienna for the red foundation and flower pot.

techniques

·blocking in
·color mixing
·layering
·scumbling
·glazing

common pitfalls

→Getting the proportions of the building wrong.
→Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
→Failing to create a sense of depth and dimension.
→Overworking the details and losing the overall simplicity of the composition.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·stretched canvas 16x20
·oil paints (yellow ochre, viridian green, ivory black, burnt sienna, titanium white)
·palette
·palette knife
·linseed oil
·odorless mineral spirits
·selection of brushes (flat and round)
·rags